Retailers in Glastonbury, Street and surrounding villages are being urged to check banknotes carefully after counterfeit £20 notes were used in a shop in Street this week.

Avon and Somerset Police said there have been further incidents where fake currency was accepted in transactions. Officers are asking businesses across the area to stay alert.

A police spokesperson said: "We are encouraging shops, supermarkets, garages and businesses in general to be vigilant when accepting banknotes. Check features like watermark, foil thread and print quality — sometimes ink may come off when scratched lightly."

What local retailers should do

• Inspect all banknotes under good lighting
• Compare security features including watermark, texture and foil thread
• Pause or delay a transaction if a note appears suspicious
• Contact police immediately if fake currency is suspected

Key features to verify

Front of the note:

• The silver crown at the top should display an iridescent shine
• The monarch's face in the left window should be sharp with clear text (counterfeits appear blurry)
• The silver iridescent box in the bottom left corner must clearly display "TWENTY" and "POUNDS"
• The bottom right window should contain multiple "20" symbols

Back of the note:

• The Margate Tower should have an iridescent appearance
• The note should be free from fading or lines along fold marks
• In the right-side clear window, the monarch's face should be transparent — not white, as seen in counterfeits

More local stories:

• MP backs Glastonbury's St Dunstan's House as model for NHS future

• Somerset parents demand end to 'scandal' over SEND funding as MPs join protest

Sign up to your nearest Nub News newsletter