"Retailers warned over counterfeit notes"

Christchurch Police are warning city retailers to be on the lookout for counterfeit $20 notes.

The Police Fraud Squad has received four complaints this week of counterfeit $20 notes being circulated at retail outlets.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mike Freeman says it appears that the offender or offenders have purchased items at large or busy stores, handing over the counterfeit $20 notes hoping that they won't get noticed.

"The complaints we've received so far have all been from stores in the Riccarton area," he says. "They include a supermarket, a bulk retail store and a couple of smaller outlets.

"At first glance the $20 notes may look and feel genuine, and in a busy store they may go undetected - particularly if the fake notes are combined with other denominations of notes.

"However a closer inspection of the notes will clearly show that the notes are counterfeit."

Police are not disclosing details of the counterfeiting, but say that among the features detected are duplicated serial numbers.

In one case the counterfeit notes were detected at the till, while in other instances the notes were only discovered when staff were reconciling cash at the end of the day.

Acting Detective Sergeant Freeman says Police will be speaking to a person of interest in relation to the complaints.

"We would still like to hear from any other businesses that have found any suspicious looking notes.

"We are urging retailers to be on the alert for these notes, and to make sure their staff are paying particular attention to the security features on the note.

"Police should be contacted immediately if counterfeit $20 notes are presented."

Anyone with information about counterfeit notes or the persons responsible for producing and circulating the notes should contact Detective Mark Kolmer on (03) 363 7535 or Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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