Counterfeit Currency used in Droitwich

Counterfeit Currency used in Droitwich

Good evening everyone,

Please be aware that the ones in Droitwich are quite deceptive.

The £20 Hologram just stays as this and doesn't change like a real one. Where the hologram on the bottom left of the note there is a sticker that says Twenty and doesn't change to Pounds when tilted around. This is actually just stuck on by a sticker and can be easily peeled away as you can see on the images. The numbers and letters are different to the original ones as well. The sticker has been peeled away a bit on the image so you can see it's stuck on.

Please be extra vigilant when handling cash, especially £20 and £50 notes. If you are unsure about a note, take a moment to check the security features, which are detailed below

To check if English banknotes (Bank of England notes) are genuine, focus on the Look, Tilt, and Feel method.

All current Bank of England notes, including those featuring King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II, use the same security features.

1. Look: The See-Through Window

Main Window: Every note has a large, see-through window.

Portraits: A portrait of the Monarch (King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II) is printed on this window, with the denomination and "Bank of England" printed twice around the edge.

Metallic Foil: Over this window is a metallic image that should be silver on the back of all notes. On the front, the foil color varies by denomination:

£5 and £10: Gold.

£20: Gold and Blue.

£50: Gold and Green.

Secondary Window: The £20 and £50 notes have an additional, smaller see-through window in the bottom corner.

2. Tilt: Hologram and Foil Changes

Below the main window on the front of the note, there is a silver foil patch with a hologram that changes between the note's value and the word "Pounds" when tilted. A silver foil patch above the main window features a 3D image of the coronation crown. On the back, behind the crown, there is a coloured metallic foil patch that varies by denomination: green for £5, copper for £10, purple for £20, and red for £50.

3. Feel: Polymer and Raised Print

Genuine Bank of England notes are made of a thin, flexible polymer material. The words "Bank of England" on the front have raised print that you can feel. For those with visual impairments, raised dots in the top left corner indicate the value: two for £10, three for £20, and four for £50 (none for £5).

4. Advanced Checks

Under a UV light, the note's value should appear in bright red and green on the front, while the rest remains dull. Microlettering showing the value can be seen with a magnifying glass below the Monarch's portrait. The print quality should be sharp and clear.

If you are a business owner, using a UV light is a good protection as you can see the subtle differences and would see this for a £20 note.

See attached image.

Please do report it to us on 101 / online report if they have been used in your commercial premises and let us know if you have CCTV of persons who've used it as well.

Many thanks

PCSO Mawby

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Message Sent By
Ben Mawby
(Police, Police Community Support Officer, Droitwich Town)