SHOPPING centre crime busters are cracking down on fake cash being used to buy goods.

Security workers at The Mall, in Blackburn, said they had taken hundreds of pounds in false £20 notes over the past couple of weeks.

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But Ron O’Keeffe, shopping centre manager and business crime manager for the town, said security measures were being stepped up in the run up to the busiest shopping period of the year.

And Chris Gribben, general manager at Charter Walk, in Burnley, said retailers were being urged to keep an eye out.

Any shop worker who sees anything suspicious is being urged to report it to police.

Mr O’Keeffe, who has been distributing leaflets and posters and talking to retailers about how to spot fake money, said: “There have been quite a number of shops that have taken them for goods, but they are being refused when they take them to the bank.

“It has become more common and we are coming up to the busiest period of time and there will be a lot of temporary staff in the shops.

“The counterfeits also tend to be used at weekends when young staff with Saturday jobs are in.

“But we are working with retailers and asking them to look at the quality of the paper and some of the features like the holograms.”

Mr Gribben added: “There is always the threat of people using fake noted, especially in the run up to Christmas when things are busy and we have part time or temporary staff in.

“We do identify this as an issue and we have meetings with the police and draw it to the attention of retailers.

“Towards the busier times there is a greater risk and my message to shop workers is to remain alert and if there is anything suspicious, do not be afraid to seek assistance.”

Anybody who is worried or has information about counterfeit cash should call police on 101.