Seaside traders concerned over fake banknotes

Business owners in Bridlington have said they are becoming increasingly concerned after being targeted by scams involving fake banknotes.

Humberside Police said a number of incidents had been reported since August, leading to four arrests.

Traders said people had been using counterfeit notes to buy items with low values, pocketing the genuine money they are given as change.

Sophie Walker, who runs The Beach Hut overlooking the harbour, said the town had been "swarming" with fake notes, with incidents happening every week.

She added: "It's not good for business. It's happening every week and everyone is concerned. We rely on seasonal trade and it's not very nice."

Ms Walker told the BBC that those responsible would buy items such as a fridge magnet or a keyring using a fraudulent note so they can claim "£18 or £19 of genuine money at a time".

One business impacted by the scam was Harbour Rock & Gifts on Harbour Road, where a member of staff inadvertently accepted a fake £20 note.

Owner Julie Cooper said: "The fish and chip shop next door told us there were some fake notes going round, but they had already been in.

"I think they're deliberately targeting places that employ young members of staff."

Dylan Haycock, from the John Bull rock shop, said communication between businesses in the town had helped to highlight the issue.

"You can find out within half an hour of it happening elsewhere, so you can be on your guard," he said.

Police confirmed a 37-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of fraud after making purchases at a holiday park.

In a separate incident, a 31-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were also arrested.

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