| East Surrey Police is warning retailers and residents to be on their guard after fake twenty pound notes were used to pay for sweets in a Banstead store.
Forged money was handed over in two separate incidents by a man and a woman at Woolworths, High Street, on Wednesday, 16 April.
The offences happened at around mid-day but the suspects entered the store separately. On both occasions small items, such as chocolate confectionary, was purchased using the counterfeit money.
Staff became suspicious and realised the money was fake.
The man is described as white, aged between 40 and 45, approximately 6ft tall, very fat and he had a red face. He was wearing a yellow top, blue zip up jacket, blue tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.
The woman is described as white, aged in her late teens or early 20s, approximately 5ft 10’ tall, with long brown hair tied in a ponytail and imperfect teeth. She was wearing a zip up jacket with light blue arms and light blue jeans.
Detective Inspector Paul Gordon, who is leading the investigation, said: “Shopkeepers and their staff, as well as members of the community, should be on their guard against people trying to pass off counterfeit notes as genuine money.
“Detectives from my team are currently reviewing CCTV footage obtained from Woolworths but I am appealing to anyone who recognises the suspects’ description to come forward. With help from the community I am confident we can identify and arrest those responsible and ensure they are not able to pass on anymore fake money.”
Anyone with information should contact detectives at Reigate CID on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference RB/08/526 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.
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