SHOPPERS and traders have been told to be on the look out for fake £50 notes thought to be in circulation in Darwen.

The neighbourhood policing team issued the warning after receiving several reports in recent days.

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A police spokesman offered advice on how to spot the notes and what traders should if they find themselves in that situation.

He said: “If you are offered a £50 note at all, check that there is a clear watermark, a solid vertical strip that only appears when held up to the light and that the printing is crisp and clear, not smudged or blurred at all.

“If you are lucky enough to have a couple of these, make sure the serial numbers are different.

“If you are already in possession and if you are in any doubt at all about the note, hand it in to a bank for checking. If you are a shopkeeper, retain the note and ask for an alternative form of payment.

“Ask for the name and address of the person who presented it, note their description and call the police on 101 immediately.

“A genuine customer will be unhappy, obviously, but ask them to wait. Someone who is a criminal is likely to make off quickly.”