News

Warning over fake banknotes this Christmas

Published

10 years ago

November 30, 2016

pounds-cash-mooney_142217 IN THE lead up to Christmas, the independent crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is appealing to the public for information on those making, buying or selling counterfeit banknotes.

Whilst less than 1% of notes in circulation are counterfeit, this is not a victimless crime. Many retailers, businesses, school, charities and the elderly have been conned out of money using fake notes.

In the first half of 2016, around 152,000 worthless counterfeit banknotes with a notional value of over £3million were removed from the UK’s streets, while the figure for the whole of 2015 was over £5 million.

Recent incidents reported include buyers turning up in person to use fake notes to pay for items sold on Gumtree, Friday Ad, Facebook and other buy-and-sell websites, leaving sellers out of pocket.

While the Bank of England works hard to counter the production of fraudulent currency, including the launch of the new polymer £5 note, people should remain vigilant. Signs of what to look out for include:

On paper banknotes:

Feeling for raised print across the words ‘Bank of England’
Holding the note up to the light to check the watermark
Looking for the metallic thread running through every genuine paper note

On the new polymer £5 note:

Checking the see-through window and the portrait of the Queen
Looking at the Elizabeth tower to check it is gold on the front of the note and silver on the back
Checking the foil patches

Crimestoppers’ Chief Executive, Mark Hallas, said: “The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of counterfeit money, especially around Christmas when there are more transactions happening and money can be tight.

“Purchasing counterfeit notes can be tempting and many people do not realise that, not only are these notes completely worthless, but knowingly holding or passing them on is a crime.

“We urge anyone with information on those making, selling or buying counterfeit notes, or simply wanting to find out more about the impact of this crime, to visit fakenotes.co.uk. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 0800 555 111, safe in the knowledge that they will never have to give a statement to police or go to court.”

Ben Crosland, Senior Manager of the Banknote Education team at the Bank of England, said: “Christmas is a busy time for both retailers and the public, and unfortunately it provides an opportunity for criminals to pass on counterfeit notes as payment. While we work hard to stay one step ahead of fraudsters, it is important people check security features on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes when they are passed in transactions.”

If you have information on those making, selling or buying counterfeit notes then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form at fakenotes.co.uk.

Related Topics:

Up Next

Milford Haven: Port supports Small Business Saturday

Don't Miss

Haverfordwest: Police appeal for witnesses

1 Comment

Jonathonetk

January 5, 2026 at 9:40 pm

If thatâ€™s the premise, it might really feel to each events that the other person is just not inquisitive about attending to know them – they simply wish to speak about themself. Lasting relationships are constructed on mutual belief and clear targets, with both parties truthfully participating with one another. Essential on-line relationship safety suggestions guide you in selecting a good platform, defending private information, and trusting your instincts until you have built enough belief together with your on-line match. Tack off one of those hours and dedicate it to searching for matches and sending and answering messages on Match. Online relationship just isn’t a kind of choice-making games the place you need to weigh your entire potentialities first. Playing movies, music, or even online video games all through the day can rack up big data bills. 21. Donâ€™t play video games. Additionally, donâ€™t underestimate the facility of your intuition; permit it to play its position when evaluating someone’s authenticity. Additionally, Asian, Latino, and white women all reply more steadily to white men. Some ladies might distrust the motives of males who have been divorced multiple occasions, or who seem needy or inattentive.

An open and engaged angle is important, looking for out potential partners who share your most essential values, but who otherwise would possibly surprise you. While dinner and a movie may be a basic date concept for a motive, a great way to interact with another particular person is by doing one thing interesting together. It makes the thought of meeting you that a lot sweeter. While itâ€™s in all probability not an awesome idea to barrage somebody with messages, the most effective recommendation for women and men is to send a thanks text after the date. asiame scam While online communication could be an incredible approach to learn about each other, assembly people face-to-face can present you so way more. I have to do every little thing perfectly from my profile to my photographs or the right man for me will go me by.â€ Thatâ€™s putting means an excessive amount of pressure on oneself and is unhealthy (and desperate). For higher or for worse, your dating profile is basically a marketing and branding venture, and your platform(s) of choice a part of a much larger context. From choosing the right platform and creating a safe profile to speaking cautiously and planning safe meetings, prioritizing your security is crucial.

Chapter V of the PDP Bill grants rights to information principals (individuals whose knowledge is collected), such because the wealthy to be forgotten and the proper to correction and erasure of data. Your profile image determines whether your potential matches will swipe proper and engage further or swipe left. Blurry or outdated photos are a unfavorable impression and make it troublesome for potential matches to see you. Possible matches are going to be glancing out your profile, which means you need to enlarge a profile that may show who you truly are. To optimize your courting profile, conduct online analysis on your potential partners and use tools likeemail lookupor reverse picture search to find more details about the other particular person. â€œHobbyâ€ photographs are excellent on your relationship app profile, so ensure to snap a few throughout your class if you possibly can. Step one in improving your search results is to make sure that your profile is arrange correctly.

If their profile pic is of them climbing a rock wall, donâ€™t be shy about reaching out about your final try at bouldering. Although children under thirteen can legally give out private data with their parents’ permission, many websites-significantly social media sites, but additionally different sites that acquire most personal info-disallow children underneath 13 from utilizing their companies altogether attributable to the price and work concerned in complying with the law. For instance, John Harrison asserts that the word “legislation” within the Constitution is just outlined as that which is legally binding, reasonably than being “defined by formal or substantive standards”, and subsequently judges should not have discretion to determine that legal guidelines fail to fulfill such unwritten and imprecise standards. To have a long run relationship it always needs a deep understanding amongst them. They emphasize the significance of understanding one’s personal relationship style and adapting methods accordingly. Also, use separate personal and on-line courting communication tools like e-mail addresses or telephone numbers to help maintain privacy and protect you from suspicious interactions. Being engaged and in the moment will help you to decide what you think of your associate, and will also show to them that you simply care, that you’re listening to them, and that you are a person they can look to for dedication.

Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

Published

26 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.

The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.

Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.

A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”

Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.

Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.

Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.

“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”

The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.

For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.

Community

Children enjoy special day out at Folly Farm thanks to Rotary support

Published

37 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Packed lunches donated by local businesses as Narberth and Whitland Rotary treats youngsters to memorable trip

CHILDREN from across the area enjoyed a fun-filled day at Folly Farm on Wednesday (June 10), thanks to the efforts of Narberth and Whitland Rotary and the generosity of local businesses.

The annual “Children’s Day Out” saw youngsters treated to a special visit to the popular Pembrokeshire attraction, where they were able to enjoy the animals, rides and activities on offer.

Narberth and Whitland Rotary said the trip was made possible through the support of several local organisations and businesses who helped ensure the children had an enjoyable and well-catered day.

The Rotary club extended special thanks to The Plas in Narberth for providing packed lunches for the children attending the trip.

Additional refreshments were also donated, with Jack Williams supplying a generous selection of fruit and CK’s contributing bottled water.

Rotary organisers said the children had a “great day out” and praised Folly Farm for welcoming the group and helping to make the visit a memorable experience.

A spokesperson for Narberth and Whitland Rotary said: “All of the children had a great day out and special thanks go to Folly Farm for welcoming us all.”

The club regularly organises community activities and events aimed at supporting local families and young people across the Narberth and Whitland area.

Photo caption: Day to remember: Children enjoy a special outing to Folly Farm organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary (Pic supplied).

Health

Nurses’ union warns Wales must not lose new recruits after FM job guarantee row

Published

1 hour ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING WALES has warned that Wales “cannot afford” to lose newly qualified nurses after the First Minister refused to give a direct guarantee that student nurses would be given jobs in NHS Wales.

The row followed First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday (Jun 9), when Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas MS asked Rhun ap Iorwerth whether he would guarantee jobs for student nurses when they graduate.

Mr Thomas said it was unacceptable for newly qualified nurses, doctors and paramedics to struggle to find work while the NHS remained under pressure.

The First Minister did not give a direct yes or no answer, but said workforce planning was a “core part” of the Welsh Government’s health strategy.

He told the Senedd: “Putting a robust plan in place to make sure that people who have decided to devote themselves to careers in nursing or medicine or the allied health professions is a core part of our delivery of a workforce strategy.

“That is why my Cabinet Minister for Health and Care has already begun the work of ensuring that we are able to support students to have careers within the NHS.”

Following the exchange, RCN Wales Executive Director Nicola Williams said the union welcomed the First Minister’s recognition of the importance of helping nurses build their futures in Wales.

But she said nursing students had invested years of hard work, commitment and personal sacrifice to qualify.

She said: “At a time when Wales continues to face nursing workforce shortages and increasing demand on health services, it is essential that newly registered nurses are able to secure employment and put their skills into practice.

“RCN Wales has consistently raised concerns about reports of graduate nurses struggling to find substantive posts following qualification. This is not only deeply worrying for those individuals, but also represents a missed opportunity for the NHS to retain talented professionals at the beginning of their careers.”

Ms Williams said RCN Wales would seek assurances at a forthcoming workforce summit that a clear and sustainable plan would be developed to support newly registered nurses into employment.

She added: “Wales cannot afford to lose skilled, motivated nurses at the point they enter the profession.”

Mr Thomas said after FMQs: “Our health service is in desperate need of qualified staff. It is unacceptable that newly qualified nurses, doctors and paramedics are being told to find work outside of Wales.

“I was disappointed that the First Minister could not commit to ensuring these hardworking, qualified professionals can move into the frontline roles our NHS so desperately needs to fill.”

The issue comes amid wider concerns about NHS workforce planning in Wales, with unions warning that a failure to create enough entry-level posts risks losing newly trained staff just as services face growing pressure.