People in Medway are being urged to be vigilant after forged £20 note were found circulating in central Chatham.

Shoppers and traders in the High Street are being asked to be mindful of the forgeries, when they are being given £20s, either as tender or change.

Chatham’s Town Centre team leader, Sgt Alex Bain, has issued advice on preventing yourself being given one of the forged 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 has a thread embedded into the paper.

“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 in any way fuzzy.

“If you believe someone has passed a counterfeit note check it against the genuine one as this may help clear confusion.

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

“If you inadvertently receive a note that you believe to be counterfeit, you should take it to the nearest police station.

“Shops are within their rights to refuse banknotes which are fake and we would urge shop assistants to contact us if they are suspicious of a customer.”

n If anyone has any information in relation to this matter please call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.