By Daniel Wood
A woman has been arrested in Kirklees after being caught using fake £20 notes.
West Yorkshire Police made an arrest yesterday after a 23-year-old woman attempted to purchase items using fake £20 notes.
The arrest came weeks after small businesses brought the issue into light that they had seen a sudden rise in the number of counterfeit notes that were circulating.
A shopkeeper, from Cleckheaton, said they unknowingly accepted £60 in fake £20 notes, last week.
In addition to this, one of Kirklees’ largest taxi firms, Bywell Cars, also put out a warning of fake notes back in October.
Batley & Spen neighbourhood police team said: “Local officers have been made aware of recent intelligence suggesting fake £20 notes are in circulation in Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton areas.
“Yesterday evening, a female was arrested at Birstall Retail Park having accepted to purchase goods using counterfeit £20 notes.
“They were also arrested in relation to a similar offence in Dewsbury and one in Batley.
“They remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
“Local businesses are asked to take special care when they accept payment for goods or services in cash, especially if £20 notes are offered by the buyer.”
It is hoped that counterfeit notes will be stopped entirely by the time the new £20 notes are released to the public.
The current £20 is due to be replaced in February 2020, after being in circulation since 2007.