POLICE are warning people to be on the look-out for fake banknotes.

The Durham force says the forgers have been busy recently and their handiwork is in circulation.

Detective inspector Paul Phillips said: “We believe that a number of counterfeit £20 notes may be in circulation in the area. “We are advising everyone to be on their guard, but in particular for local shop owners to be aware of the risk.

“Although in the past we have issued special pens to test whether bank notes are genuine, the production process by criminals has changed and these are no longer of use. “However, there are some simple checks you can carry out to make sure you are not taking a fake note. He urged people to follow this advice: Look for raised printing, in particular the words Bank of England across the top of the note and to the right of the Queen’s portrait where there should be a series of 20s.

The foil should be holographic, changing colour and changing from the figure 20 to a £ symbol. A series of dotted silver rectangles on the rear form a solid line when held to the light..

Look for a watermark on the left hand side of the front of the note. I n addition to the Queen’s portrait (watermark) there should be a £20 symbol that is brighter than her head Genuine and counterfeit notes have different textures.

Under ultraviolet light a red and yellow 20 should be visible.

There should be micro lettering in the swirls under the Queen’s portrait that is difficult to see with the naked eye.

Police say anyone given a suspected counterfeit note should not return it to the giver and should call them on 101.

More information on checking notes visit www.bankofengland.co.uk