RESIDENTS and businesses are being urged to be vigilant after goods were bought in Bridport using fake £20 notes.

Police are asking shopkeepers, publicans and members of the public to be aware after three incidents in Bridport and West Bay, as well as similar incidents reported in Sherborne.

PCSO Amanda King from Bridport Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Dorset Police advice is to check all notes as they are passed in payment.

"Criminals trying to use fake notes will target businesses where they know that banknotes are not being checked."

The first incident took place on Tuesday, April 18 at a shop in Bridport town centre where two white men described as being aged between 30 and 40 and of slight build used four counterfeit £20 notes to purchase goods.

The second incident occurred the following day where three white men purchased goods from premises in West Bay using fake £20 notes. The men purchased goods independently but all three used counterfeit £20 notes so officers suspect they were acting together. Two of the men involved were described as being of slight build and aged between 20 and 30. The third male was described as being about 30 years old and of slight build.

The third incident occurred on Thursday, April 20 at a shop in Bridport town centre where two white men attempted to pay for goods using two fake £20 notes. The men were described as being between 30 and 40 years old and of slight build.

Police are urging people to carry out quick checks to help identify is a bank note is genuine or not.

Check the paper and the raised print – bank notes are printed on special paper that gives them their unique feel. By running your finger across the note, you can feel raised print in areas such as the words ‘Bank of England’ on the note.

Check the metallic thread – the metallic thread, which appears as silver dashes on notes, should appear as a continuous dark line when the note is held to the light.

Check the watermark – hold the note up to the light and you should see an image of the Queen.

Check the print quality – the printed lines and colours on bank notes are sharp, clear and free from smudges or blurred edges.

Check serial numbers – they should be the same on the front and rear of a note and they are unique. No serial number is repeated on another note.

If you discover that you have been passed a counterfeit banknote – it is your duty and responsibility to hand this in to the nearest bank so that they can dispose of the note safely.

If you have any information about the circulation of fake notes, please contact police on 101 or use the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. For more information, visit bankofengland.co.uk