Fake £20 Notes - For Awareness

Today we have been made aware of 2 males in the Bakewell area targeting businesses with fake £20 notes.  Both are described as white males.  1 of the males has ginger hair, grey joggers and one eye.  Other male dark hair, goaty beard.  No further description known.  

Both males have entered the shop, 1 has successfully purchased a low value item and received the change before the other has attempted the same.  

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.

Bakewell Safer Neighbourhood Team