Counterfeit Bank Notes

As part of Business Crime Reduction Awareness Week officers are carrying out patrols around local businesses, engaging with them and offering crime prevention advice.  As part of our engagements  we have been made aware of counterfeit notes throughout Derbyshire Dales area and across the Hope Valley.  

As a result of this we are offering the following advice detailing things to look out for in identifying counterfeit notes and what to do if you find one;

✅ 1. Use the “Feel, Look, Tilt” Method
This is the Bank of England’s recommended quick check:

Feel: Genuine polymer notes have a smooth, slightly waxy texture and raised print on words like “Bank of England” and the denomination. Counterfeits often feel flat or flimsy.
Look: Hold the note up to the light:

Clear Window: A sharp-edged see-through window with a metallic image inside (e.g., Margate Lighthouse on £20).
Micro-lettering: Tiny text near the portrait spelling out the note’s value.
Print Quality: Genuine notes have crisp, detailed lines—no smudges or blurred edges.

Tilt: Move the note side to side:

Hologram changes between the denomination and the word “Pounds.”
Colour-shifting inks on higher denominations. 

✅ 2. Key Security Features on Genuine Banknotes

Large See-Through Window with a portrait of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II and “Bank of England” printed twice around the edge.
Foil Patches:

£5: Green foil patch with “BLENHEIM.”
£10: Copper patch with “JA.”
£20: Purple patch with “T.”
£50: Red patch with “AT.”

Raised Print on the front.
UV Feature: Under ultraviolet light, the denomination appears in bright red and green against a dull background.
Second Window: Present on £20 and £50 notes.
Serial Number: Each note has a unique serial number—duplicates indicate a fake. 

✅ 3. Tools for Detection

UV Light (365nm): Reveals fluorescent patterns and denomination in red/green. Fake notes often glow all over.
Magnifier: Check micro-lettering.
Counterfeit Detector Devices: For high-volume environments.
Compare with a Genuine Note: Never rely on one feature alone. 

✅ 4. What to Do if You Find a Suspect Note

Do NOT return it to the passer—it’s a criminal offence to knowingly circulate counterfeit currency.
Report to Police: Complete an NCO-1 form; the note will be sent to the National Crime Agency for analysis.
Banks: If you don’t know who gave you the note, take it to a bank branch for retention and investigation. 

Please share this advice with your staff members and although it is a busy time of year with many Christmas Markets taking place, please take that extra few seconds to check.

Bakewell Safer Neighbourhood Team