Islington Police issue warning over Olympics spike in counterfeit cash

More counterfeit notes could soon be doing the rounds when the Olympics come to town, police have warned.

Businesses and residents are urged to be vigilant because the Games could prompt a spike in the amount of dodgy cash in circulation.

Sgt Robin Clark, Islington Police’s licensing officer, issued a warning this week after one bar, the Wenlock and Essex in Essex Road, Islington, was twice handed fake �50 notes.

He said: “Counterfeit notes are starting to appear in the pubs in Islington. The suspects come in and buy a couple of drinks with the �50 notes, and then take the change.

“With the Olympics coming, there’s a good chance there will be even more counterfeit notes about. We have got tourists coming in, and they’re not used to seeing our currency on a daily basis, so therefore they will be more susceptible.

“I would advise retailers and members of the public to be aware and check notes properly.”

In April, the Gazette reported that businessman Nash Patel, who runs Nash Newsagents, La Cappuccino Cafe and the Florin Pub in Holloway Road, Upper Holloway, saw four dodgy �50 notes in one week. At the time, he warned there was a growing problem with fake currency, and added: “I reckon during the Olympics we will see another rise.”