Officers in Swanage are appealing for anyone with information to come forward after a number of counterfeit notes were offered as payment in establishments in Swanage.
The first incident occurred between 12pm and 1.45pm on Friday 12 July. It’s alleged that a 43-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, both from Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, entered several shops in the town and offered counterfeit £10 notes as payment for various small items. They were arrested and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
In a separate incident, which occurred at 11.50am on Sunday 14 July at Nixons in Station Road, two women in their 20s entered the store as part of a group with two men and a baby in a bright blue pushchair. They offered £20 notes as payment for items which were found to be counterfeit.
One of the women is described as white, five feet seven inches tall, of slim build with fair hair worn in a pony tail. She was wearing denim shorts and a white vest top. The other woman is described as white, five feet four inches tall, of a stocky build with fair curly hair which was tied back. She was wearing a beige coloured leopard print short jump suit.
To date no one has been arrested in respect of the second incident.
Police Constable Mari Montgomery, of Swanage police, said: “I believed there may be a number of £10 and £20 counterfeit notes still in circulation and I urge all businesses to be vigilant for them. Enquiries have revealed that they are being used to pay for various goods including very low priced items.
“If any fake notes are offered for payment my advice is not to confront the offender but to call the police. If any have been taken for payment, please retain them in a safe place for the police to use in evidence.
“Witnesses and anyone with information regarding the two incidents mentioned or any similar occurrences are asked to contact the police as soon as possible.”
Call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident numbers 12:242 and 14:239. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
