Gympie police are warning local businesses and members of the community to be vigilant following a number of recent offences involving counterfeit currency.
The warning follows two incidents on November 5 where counterfeit $50 notes were allegedly used to purchase goods at two local stores.
It will be alleged around 9.30am a man entered a hardware store and selected a number of tools before purchasing them with the counterfeit notes.
It is further alleged sometime after 12pm counterfeit money was used to purchase two ice creams from an ice cream van.
A 24-year-old Gympie man has since been charged with possessing counterfeit money, uttering counterfeit money, stealing and receiving tainted property. He appeared in court on November 6 and was bailed to reappear November 27.
Detective Sergeant Robert Lowry from Gympie Police is urging business owners and customer service employees to check the quality of all $50 notes before giving change to a customer.
“Advice on how to identify counterfeit notes is available through the Reserve Bank of Australia website, but you should check notes for the security features including the coat of arms watermark, the clear plastic window is part of the note and not stuck on, and the Southern Cross stars look genuine and do not scratch off with moderate rubbing,” Detective Sergeant Robert Lowry said.
Police have released images of the counterfeit notes (below). More information on detecting counterfeit money can be viewed on the Reserve Bank of Australia website: http://banknotes.rba.gov.au/assets/pdf/counterfeit-detection-guide.pdf.
Anyone who may have any information concerning the manufacturing or distribution of these notes is urged to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
