People in Medway are being warned to be vigilant after several forged £20 notes were found to be in circulation in the area.

Chatham Town Centre team leader, Sergeant Alex Bain, is advising shoppers and traders in the High Street to be mindful when being handed £20 notes.

He said: “There are a number of ways in which you can check to see if a bank note is counterfeit.

“Firstly feel the paper, if note is in good condition it should be crisp and slightly rough and not waxy, limp or shiny.

“It should carry a watermark of the Queen that can be seen when held to the light.”

A genuine note also has a thread embedded into the paper, and when held to the light this should form a bold continuous line. Genuine banknotes are designed using fine lines and images should not appear in soft focus or fuzzy.

It is a crime to try to pass or possess a banknote you either know or think to be counterfeit.

Sgt Bain added: “Shops are within their rights to refuse banknotes that they think are fake; we would urge shop assistants to contact us if they are suspicious of a customer.”

If you inadvertently receive a note that you believe to be counterfeit, you should take it to the nearest police station or check it against a genuine one as it may help clear confusion.

If anyone has any information in relation to this matter please contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.