Police have warned people to be on their guard over counterfeit currency circulating in the Norwich area.

Police have warned people to be on their guard over counterfeit currency circulating in the Norwich area.

Over the last week, reports have been made to police of counterfeit �20 notes having been handed in to shops in the west of the city including the Bowthorpe, Costessey and Earlham neighbourhoods.

The local Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT's) have been liaising with local retailers reminding them to be on their guard against counterfeit currency and how to spot counterfeit notes.

Bowthorpe and Costessey SNT Inspector Rob Wicks said:' We're conducting a number of lines of investigation and have identified possible suspects who we will be dealing with in due course, however we urge all persons handling cash to be vigilant.

"Shop owners and workers are being asked to be extra vigilant when accepting such notes.

"Anyone who receives a forged note is urged not to pass it back to the person they received it from and to contact us."

If you suspect that someone is using counterfeit notes call Norfolk Constabulary on 0845 456 4567.