COUNTERFEITERS remain at large in Swindon after police receive more reports of fake money use.

Wiltshire Police are currently investigating a number of incidents in which fake, high value notes have been used to buy low value products. Some shops are accepting the money only for it to be detected by banks further down the chain.

Fake money has been used in various shops around the town including the Sue Ryder charity store and the BP service station in Royal Wootton Bassett. Nurdens Garden Centre in Malmesbury has also fallen prey to fraudulent exchanges.

Sergeant Louis McCoy of the Wiltshire North community policing team, said: “Predominantly the offenders are young men aged between 19 and 25 and our enquiries are ongoing to try and identify those responsible.

“On all occasions, large denomination notes are used to buy low value items. The notes are of good quality with some even passing the pen test carried out by shop workers.”

Police are working with shops to reduce their risk of being conned.

Seargent McCoy added: “We continue to encourage shop owners to be extra vigilant and to report any incidents to police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.”