Shops in Kent have been warned to make sure their tills aren't ringing with counterfeit cash in the run-up to Christmas.

Fake £20 notes are in circulation across the county and police are investigating several reports of people paying for goods with bogus banknotes.

One customer tried to buy electricial equipment from a shop in Thanet with more than £1,000 in fake notes.

Sgt Amanda Cullen from the Thanet Community Safety Unit at Kent Police said: "It's a criminal offence to keep or pass on a note you know to be counterfeit.

genuine banknotes: what to look for

- the paper should be crisp and slightly rough - not waxy, limp or shiny.

- the note should carry a watermark that can be seen when held to the light.

- it should also have a continuous metallic thread embedded into the paper.

- images should not appear in soft focus or fuzzy.

"Often those trying to pass counterfeit notes will try to buy a low value item using a high value note, or they'll use a large number of fake notes to pay for a high value item.

"These notes are being passed in pubs, clubs, small businesses and large retail stores.

"We know it's a busy time of year for shopping but we'd ask people to take a little longer to check the notes they're given to make sure they aren't fake.

"We'd also advise charities, churches and schools who may be holding Christmas fairs and functions to make sure they check notes they're given, as criminals do callously rip off voluntary and charitable organisations."

Counterfeit notes should be handed in at a police station and shops are within their rights to refuse any banknotes they think could be fake.

Businesses have been urged to contact police about any suspicious customers.