Fake currency arrests made!

Keeping York Safe ❌

A quick update on the counterfeit currency warnings: Last week, three people were arrested for attempting to use fake £20 notes at businesses across York.

The Breakdown:

•            📍 Where: York City Centre.

•            🕵️‍♂️ Spotted: By the eagle-eyed York Street Rangers.

•            🚔 Arrested: Swiftly by the York City NPT.

•            ⚖️ Status: Suspects taken to custody; investigations ongoing.

🛑 DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT: How to Spot a Fake £20 💷

Following the recent arrests in York, here is a quick 3-step check to ensure the cash in your till (or pocket) is the real deal. The current polymer notes are hard to counterfeit, but not impossible!

1. The See-Through Window 🪟

Look at the large clear window on the note.

The Real Deal: There should be a gold and blue foil image of Margate Lighthouse on the front and a silver version on the back.

The Fake: Often the window is cloudy, or the foil looks like a flat sticker that doesn't change colour.

2. The Hologram Tilt 🌈

Focus on the silver foil patch at the bottom of the see-through window.

The Real Deal: When you tilt the note, the word should change between 'Twenty' and 'Pounds'.

The Fake: The word often stays the same or the "hologram" is just a dull grey print.

3. The Purple '20' 🎨

Look at the round purple patch on the back of the note (behind the see-through window).

The Real Deal: It should contain a distinct '20' that is sharp and clear.

The Fake: This is often blurry or the purple colour looks "washed out."

⚠️ What to do if you suspect a note is fake:

Don’t get into an argument. Your safety comes first.

If the person has already left, handle the note as little as possible (to preserve fingerprints).

Call 101 or report it to a York Street Ranger immediately.

Pro-Tip for Businesses: If you have a UV light, a genuine £20 note will show a bright red and green '20' on the front when held under the bulb!

#YorkBusiness #ShopSafe #YorkCity #ConsumerAlert #PoliceAdvice #B8NPT