POLICE have issued a warning for fake £5 notes – following reports that counterfeits were being used in Ryedale.

The warning has been issued following reports to North Yorkshire Police from market traders in Helmsley last Friday (March 31) that the fake notes were being used.

A force spokesperson issued guidance on how to identify a fake £5 note.

They said on fake notes the centre is worn away and the holographic Big Ben is yellow rather than gold.

“If you receive cash as payment, please check the notes are genuine before handing over any good,” added.

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Advice from the Bank of England is:

  • Tilt the note from side to side. Check the words change between 'Twenty' and 'Pounds'.
  • Look at the metallic image over the main window. Check the foil is blue and gold on the front of the note and silver on the back. Look for a second, smaller window in the bottom corner of the note.
  • A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with '£20 Bank of England’ printed twice around the edge.
  • A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the coronation crown. You will find this above the main see-through window on the front of the note.
  • A round, purple foil patch contains the letter 'T'. You will find this on the back of the note, directly behind the silver crown on the front of the note
  • The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin and flexible plastic material. On the front of the note, you can feel raised print. For example, on the words ‘Bank of England’ and in the bottom right corner, over the smaller window.
  • The printed lines and colours on the note are sharp, clear and free from smudges or blurred edges. If you use a magnifying glass, you will see the value of the note written in small letters and numbers below the Queen's portrait.
  • Under a good quality ultra-violet light, the number '20' appears in bright red and green on the front of the note, against a duller background.