A toy €100 note was successfully used in a fast food outlet in Newry, Co Down.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the fake note - which carries an ELC (Early Learning Centre) logo – was accepted by a cashier for a sandwich, and change was given to the customer.
Writing on their Newry and Mourne Facebook page, the PSNI said: “Yep you are right you know, it’s a pretend 100 euro note from a leading kiddies toy store.
“So why do we have it in an evidence bag I hear you query? Well it’s in an evidence bag because it’s evidence. Evidence of the offence of tendering counterfeit currency.
“I know, I know a kids play note counterfeit currency?? Well believe it or not this was actually accepted as payment recently in business premises in Newry.
“Actually!
“If you work in a cash handling job please take 5 seconds to check all notes you are accepting, the first check would be look at the thing! The second would be to swipe a counterfeit detector pen across it, you can buy these online for pennies. Then consider the feel of the note.
“Clearly no checks were done on this note and that business is now 100 Euro down plus the value of the goods it was used to ‘pay’ for! Isn’t it as well the £ is pretty strong against the Euro!
“If you are a business owner and would like some crime prevention advice PM us on here or ring 101 and ask for the Business Liaison Officer in the Neighbourhood Team or Crime Prevention Officer.”
