POLICE are alerting members of the public about fake notes being used in Basildon.
So far, at least two incidents have been reported to police in June. In the first incident at 9.30pm on Sunday, 10 June, a woman ate a meal with four other people at The Honey Pot, Festival Leisure Park.
Six counterfeit £20 notes were used to pay the bill, and when confronted the suspect made off, leaving the restaurant £90 out of pocket.
In the second incident at 5.20pm on Friday, 15 June, a man approached a shopper in Allcures Pharmacy in Clay Hill Road and asked her if he could exchange his two ten pound notes for a twenty. The woman realised after that the notes were counterfeit.
Investigating officer, PC Paul Hogben, said: "There seems to be quite a few fake notes in circulation across Basildon at the moment, so we are advising shops to ensure they check all money correctly. Also, if you are approached by anyone and asked to swap money, please be wary of their request, and if you suspect their intentions are dishonourable, please let police know.”
Anyone with any information about either incident is asked to contact PC Paul Hogben at the Basildon area investigation team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.