POLICE are urging residents to check their bank notes after further reports of fake money circulating in North Yorkshire.

The counterfeit notes have been reported in Northallerton, among other areas, prompting North Yorkshire Police to issue advice on how to check for fake money.

Detective Inspector Jon Hodgeon, head of the force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Fortunately counterfeit notes are quite rare, but sadly for those in receipt of them, they are worthless.

“Banks cannot reimburse individuals or businesses who fall victim to this type of fraud.

“Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. Operations can directly fund organised crime and damages the UK economy by creating losses for individuals and businesses, which ultimately effects the costs of goods that you and I buy.”

Things to look for on a genuine note are the ‘Bank of England’ printed in raised print and microlettering of the denomination below the Queen’s portrait which will react to ultraviolet light.