AN investigation into a stack of crudely-made counterfeit currency has been launched by the Bank of England after tricksters attempted to dupe shopkeepers out of cash.
The conmen tried to use the forged £20 notes to purchase clothes in shops in Durham, including JD Sports, Jack Wills and Triple S.
Police linked all three incidents when the men tried to buy trainers and T-shirts.
Now, the bank’s investigation team in London has offered to help Durham Police with their investigations after they read about the incident in The Journal.
The team will help officers trace the origin of the currency. Following their investigation they will distribute leaflets and posters around shops and businesses in the city to warn people about the counterfeit cash.
Durham Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Anderson said: “It’s great that the Bank of England has agreed to support us with these inquiries.
“They will now provide advice in relation to counterfeit around Durham and maybe the rest of the North East. The police and the Bank of England take these type of incidents very seriously.”
Police were called to the incidents on July 2 and 3. Two men entered JD Sports, in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham, and attempted to buy trainers with two fake £20 notes.
But workers confronted them when they realised the notes were fake and officers arrested the pair. After carrying out a search, police found a further three £20 notes, which were taken away for investigation.
The men also tried to purchase a T-shirt from Triple S but were sent away. Two men, aged 22 and 19, were arrested.
Andrew Barnes, manager of Triple S in Silver Street, said: “Two men came into the store and tried to spend the cash but the shop assistant realised the money was counterfeit.
“Staff always check the notes but incidents like this always make staff more wary. A similar incident happened about a year ago and that’s when we invested in a pen to check the notes.”
Investigations are now ongoing to establish where the notes came from.
A Bank of England spokeswoman said: “In this particular case the notes in question have yet to arrive at the Bank of England for examination but will be sent here in due course.
“The Bank has a close relationship with a team within the Serious Organised Crime Agency which acts as the national police bureau in respect of all counterfeit notes discovered in the UK. This team will liaise with Durham Constabulary directly.”
Officers are asking for anyone with any information to come forward.
If you can help, contact Durham Police on 0345 606 0365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
