Taxi driver handed counterfeit cash drove suspect to police station

A taxi driver who was handed fake bank notes drove the suspect straight to the police station.

The suspect booked a ride at 11.30pm on Tuesday 13 October from Nottingham Road.

When the customer continued to change his route, the taxi driver asked how he would be paying. But he then handed over a counterfeit £20 note, Nottinghamshire Police said.

The taxi driver immediately knew it was fake due to the “way it felt in his hands”, the force explained.

When the driver questioned him about the cash, he continued to provide further notes, which were also fake.

Instead of taking him to his final location, he drove him straight to Radford Road police station where he was arrested.

The force said officers also carried out a search of the man’s address where police discovered a “Rambo knife” under his mattress.

Although police did not find any further counterfeit money, a cannabis cultivation kit was seized from the address.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of using counterfeit currency and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.

Neighbourhood inspector Liz Gaskin, who covers the Radford area, said: "This was a fantastic piece of work by a Nottingham taxi driver.

"As soon as they noticed the man's suspicious behaviour in the back of the vehicle and saw that the money was fake, they decided the end of his journey would be a night in our custody.

"We were of course happy to help, and following a search of the individual's property uncovered further concerning behaviour, which included taking a dangerous weapon out of circulation."

How to check if a bank note is fake

A genuine English banknote features a transparent window with a portrait of either King Charles III or the late Queen Elizabeth II inside.

Around the edge of the portrait should be the value of the note and the words Bank of England twice.

Notes also contain a silver hologram which reveal the value of the note when it’s tilted. When the note is tilted from side to side, the words change between the value of the note and “Pounds”.

Real notes also have raised print. For example, the words “Bank of England” and in the bottom right corner should be raised.

What to do if you get a counterfeit note

Counterfeit banknotes are rare and also worthless, according to the Bank of England.

The bank is unable to reimburse someone for being given a fake note, so urge anyone who is given a fake note to contact the police.

The suspect notes will be sent to the National Crime Agency and if counterfeit to the Bank of England for further examination.