Gardai in Roscommon are warning local retailers to be on the alert for counterfeit €50 notes after a number of incidents over the last month.

The forged notes have been passed in a number of shops around the county over the last three or four weeks, only being detected when the premises go to cash up at the end of the day. Gardai are urging staff and shop owners to be vigilant for the dud notes especially at busy times, as on first glance the notes are believed to be of reasonably good quality.

Sgt Padraig Burke from Roscommon Garda Station advised staff and retailers to run their finger along the note and an easy way to distinguish the fake is the lack of a corrugated metal type edge just across from the number on the note. Counterfeit notes are generally completely smooth as they are photocopies or printed.

Anyone with any suspicions is asked to immediately contact Roscommon Gardai 090 6638300 or Clonark Gardai 090 64 6437102 or 086 6068819.