Police want to speak to this man after fake notes were used in Orchard Street

A raft of fake £20 notes are believed to be in use across Preston.

Police are warning businesses to be on their guard after £300 worth of fake notes were used at David Pluck bookmakers on Orchard Street.

The notes have mainly been used at bookmakers and buses.

PC Russ Lamping said: “I would urge anybody that takes payment on a daily basis to be vigilant and to ensure they thoroughly check any £20 notes they are given. The fakes are very good quality but as with any fake notes have no metal strip through the middle and no watermark.

“The best way to check notes is by using a special detector pen and I would ask people to be on their guard and urge anybody that come across any of these fake notes to contact Lancashire Police on 101.”

How to spot a fake note

Feel of paper: It should be crisp, not limp, waxy or shiny. Raised imprinting is used and feels rough to the touch.

Quality of printing: Lines should be sharp and well defined with no blurred edges. Colours should be clear and distinct.

Metallic thread: All genuine notes have a thread embedded in the paper.

Water mark: It should be hardly apparent until the note is held up to the light.

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.