BUSINESSES in the Borders are urged to be extra vigilant following a series of incidents where counterfeit currency was used as payment.

Since Thursday, June 1 there have been over 10 reports of fake notes being used at premises throughout the region with stores in Hawick, Jedburgh and Galashiels being targeted.

On each occasion, the notes appeared to be high quality and legitimate. 

The notes used in the incidents are Bank of Ireland and Bank of Ulster £20 notes, which bare the serial numbers as follows: The Bank of Ireland serial numbers are CD975822, CB737906 and CB977561. The Bank of Ulster serial numbers are L9169401.

Retail and commercial premises within the regions affected are asked to carefully examine any Bank of Ireland or Ulster £20 notes they are offered and report any other incidents of fraudulent currency to police immediately.

Detective Constable Callum Peoples from Galashiels CID said: “The notes that have been passed in recent incidents have been of very good quality and as such I’m urging the member of the public and local business owners to be extra vigilant and to check any paper notes that they received to ensure that they are genuine.

“If anyone suspects they have been handed or found a fake bank note, they should retain it and contact the police immediately. In addition, anyone with information that can help the police identify whoever is responsible for these offences is asked to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1601 of June 2, 2017 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.