Police are warning West Dunbartonshire residents to be vigilant about counterfeit cash.

Over the past month there have been a number of incidents where counterfeit money has been used, including eight where fake £20 notes have been used for payment and a spate of reported occasions on Dumbarton High Street, Alexandria and Balloch.

As a result the Argyll and West Dunbartonshire division of Police Scotland have issued advice to retailers who they are urging to be extra vigilant.

The advise that people closely examine the quality of the notes, look for the metallic security thread and check the watermark on any cash they receive - especially higher value notes.

Cash has also been used in Alexandria.

Holding or using a note that you know to be counterfeit is a criminal offence, and anyone who believes that they may have been passed an illegal note is urged to contact Police on 101.

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