The police are urging people to be vigilant after recent incidents of fake banknotes being used to pay for goods in Alexandria.

West Dunbartonshire police say counterfeit £20 and £50 banknotes have been used in local shops several times recently.

Inspector Mo Boyle from Dumbarton Police Office, said: “These counterfeit notes have been successfully passed to shop staff on at least two occasions in the past week and we are warning anyone accepting cash payments to be vigilant.

“There is a difference in the quality of the notes compared to genuine ones and we would advise checking the quality and feel of the note and the standard of the printing.

"Also look for the metallic security thread and check the watermark. These are a few ways of checking if a note might be counterfeit."

Inspector Boyle added: "It is a criminal offence to hold or pass a note that you know to be counterfeit."

If you think you may have been passed counterfeit money, call the police on their non-emergency number 101 or phone CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 if you'd like to remain anonymous.