Police are warning residents of the Vale of Glamorgan to be extra vigilant over fake banknotes.

In a short statement on social media, South Wales Police, advised: “Please be aware of forged £20 notes circulating in the Vale of Glamorgan area.”

However, how should you check that your own £20 banknote is not forged?

The new £20 polymer banknotes feature the painter JMW Turner and have detailed security features making them incredibly difficult for criminals to replicate:

• Under ultra-violet light, the number ’20’ appears in green and red on the front
• There is a purple foil patch with the letter ‘T’ on the back
• The Queen’s portrait is clearly visible on a window
• A silver foil patch is seen with a 3D image of the coronation crown
• A hologram image will change from ‘Twenty’ and ‘Pounds’ when the note is tilted
• There will be raised print for the words ‘Bank of England’
• The note will be free from any defect such as smudges.

SWP recommend visiting the Bank of England’s webpage: Polymer £20 note | Bank of England