POLICE have alerted businesses in South Devon to counterfeit bank notes circulating in the area.

Devon & Cornwall Police have been made aware of fake £20 notes being handed over at various businesses in the Totnes area recently.

The force is reminding people to be wary of this and inform staff.

How to detect fake notes:

Thoroughly examine the note: check for inconsistencies in the holographic images and other security features.

Compare with a genuine note:

• If you have any doubt, compare the suspect note with a genuine one you know to be real.

• If you have any information please phone 101 or make contact via the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

• If you have persons you are suspicious of please phone 999.