Bogus cash sparks Masterton alarm

The top note is counterfeit and the lower note is genuine. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Wairarapa police are warning shopkeepers to be vigilant when accepting cash after a man tried to buy alcohol with a fake note in Masterton.

Police said a man with a full-face tattoo tried to pay for a bottle of tequila with a counterfeit $50 note at the Thirsty Liquor store in Masterton on Monday. When staff realised it was a fake, the man ran out of the store, taking the tequila with him.

Police around the country have received a number of reports of counterfeit bank notes being used at shops throughout the North Island.

The notes have been $20, $50 and $100 denominations.

Typically the offenders have gone into shops and supermarkets, purchased a small item using a large denomination note and then received cash as change.

Senior Sergeant Jymahl Glassey said several incidents involving fake $50 notes have also occurred at The Warehouse and Pak'nSave in Petone.

Witnesses described the man presenting the fake money in Petone as a tall Maori man of solid build in his 30s, with facial hair.

It was likely the fake notes were coming from the same source and shopkeepers should be careful when taking cash, Mr Glassey said.

Police recommend shopkeepers consider refusing the note, record the description of the person offering it, and record the number plate and description of any vehicles used by the person.

If possible, call police while the person is still in or near the shop.

Police advised retailers should also consider their own safety first when dealing with anyone offering counterfeit notes.

For information to help identify counterfeit notes, go to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand website and look under "notes and coins" where there is information on how to spot a counterfeit (www.rbnz.govt.nz).