Police hunt for two women after counterfeit notes used to buy phone from member of the public
Police are searching for two women after counterfeit money was used to purchase a mobile phone from a member of the public in Gosport.
A meeting was arranged for the sale of the phone on South Street at around 10.20pm on Monday, February 23. The sale took place with the women then leaving the area in a grey car driven by an unknown man.
A 38-year-old man from Gosport suffered a minor injury to his hand after he approached the car having realised the notes were fake.
Police have a released the image and description of two women that they want to speak to. They are described as:
- White
- Aged between 22 to 28-years-old
- Medium build
- Long, dark, straight hair
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A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: “Do you recognise these women? We believe the women in this image can help us with our investigation and would urge them, or anyone who knows their identity, to get in touch with us.
“Also, if you witnessed the incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.
“You can do this by calling 101, or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, quoting incident number 44260091061. You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting their website.”
Police have released the below guidance on what to check for when notes are used for cash payments:
- Feel of polymer and raised print – Notes are printed on polymer, which is a thin and flexible plastic material. On the front of each note you can feel raised print on the words ‘Bank of England’, in the bottom right corner, and around the number
- Print quality – The printed lines and colours on the note are sharp and clear, with no smudges or blurred edges
- Serial numbers – Each note should have its own unique serial number
More information on on how to identify counterfeit notes can be found here: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/counterfeit-banknotes