POLICE are still urging people to be vigilant after recent incidents of fake banknotes being used to pay for goods in Clydebank and Dumbarton.

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

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Wednesday morning, we had an incident reported to us whereby a counterfeit note was used to purchase items within the Dumbarton area. If you work in retail and regularly handle case, please be extra vigilant.”

“Please consider the following; thoroughly check all bank notes, be vigilant if anyone uses a high value note for a low-cost item and use a note detector pen on all bank notes."

“Anyone who uses counterfeit currency is committing a crime. If you are presented with a counterfeit note, ALWAYS contact the police on 101 to make us aware.”

In another incident, a man reportedly tried to use a fake £20 note to pay for cigarettes in the SPAR store in Dumbarton Road at 2.30pm on Wednesday, November 28.

A shop worker used a UV light to identify the note as a fake, and reported the incident to police. Other notes in the till were also checked, and two more counterfeits were found.

CCTV footage was examined and according to the shop owner it is believed the same man had used fake notes to pay for goods the previous night.

Police are carrying out relevant enquiries.