SHOPPERS and pubgoers in Redditch should be on their guard against counterfeit notes, police are warning.

On Friday, a man handed over a fake Scottish £20 note at a pet shop.

This follows several reports of fake £10 and £20 notes being handed over in pubs and shops in the town.

Redditch Licensing Officer Pc Simon Worley said they wanted people in the retail and licensed trades to be aware and to make sure their staff were vigilant in checking notes.

He warned people trying to pass off counterfeit cash may use a high value note to pay for a low value item, may take advantage of dim lighting in pubs or clubs and may also hide a dud note in a pile of genuine notes.

To fight the fakes, police have issued a four-point check.

The first step is to check the paper, which should be crisp and slightly rough in the heavily printed areas, rather than limp, waxy or shiny.

Residents should also check the quality of the print, which should be well-defined and the colours should be clear and distinct with no blurred edges.

The note should also have a watermark and each note should have its own individual serial number, so if you are given more than one note, check the serial numbers are all different.

Businesses can also use pens and ultra violet lights to check but these should be used with the checks listed above.

Anyone who is given a fake note should call the police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.