KNUTSFORD’S retailers – and shoppers – are being urged to look out for fake money after the town’s police officers reported fraudsters had been operating in the area.

PC Simon Warr, from Knutsford Police Station, said there seemed to be a theme of the people involved in the scam to be going from one Cheshire town to the next.

“Going back to May they have been in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Handforth,” he said.

“They were getting the majority then and in June it was still Wilmslow. But since we’ve moved into July – if it is the same people – then they have moved into Knutsford.

“We’ve certainly had six incidents in July where it has been used to buy a very low value item and the person has received lots of change or when they have been spent in pubs in the town.

“I want to make everyone aware and it’s a message to the retailers to be extra vigilent and make sure they use the security pens. If they see anyone handing over these notes then call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Adam Keppel-Garner, town centre manager, told the Guardian he had been alerted to the matter by Matthew Mooney from the Belle Epoque.

As a result, Adam asked Peter Murray from Pulse of Perfumery on Princess Street, to inform the town’s businesses via the retailers email address book.

“I urge all retailers to be extra vigilant and take extra precautions against counterfeit notes,” Adam said.

“I hope that those behind the influx will quickly realised Knutsford won’t be an easy target.”

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