Fake Scottish £50 note warning issued in Shropshire
Police today warned pubs and shops in Shropshire to be on their guard against being offered fake Scottish £50 notes.
The warning follows two incidents in Shrewsbury where £50 Scottish notes believed to be fake were used to make payments at pubs in Shrewsbury.
And police have also released a CCTV image of a man they believe may be able to help their inquiries into at least one of the incidents.
He was caught on camera at The Peacock pub in Wenlock Road just after midday yesterday when a Scottish £50 was handed to staff by a man in payment for a bottle of lager and a meal.
Having received change for the note, the man then sat outside awaiting the food but left before it was served. The staff's suspicions were raised and the matter reported to the police.
Police believe the note is fake. The man was described as white, in his thirties, about 5ft 2ins tall with scruffy short dark hair, wearing a blue checked long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans and brown shoes.
A similar incident was reported during lunchtime yesterday at the Mytton & Mermaid Hotel, Atcham when a suspect £50 Scottish note was used to pay for drinks.
The investigating officer, PC Victoria Grimmer, said today: "I am trying to identify the man in the picture as he may well be able to assist our inquiries. I would ask him, or anyone who can identify him, to please contact Shrewsbury police station on 0300 333 3000.
"I would also urge businesses to be aware of what's happened and to be on their guard. If there is any doubt regarding £50 Scottish notes being offered in payment, do not accept. Ask for some other means of payment and if still concerned or suspicious, contact the police on 0300 333 3000."
