POLICE have warned traders and shoppers to increase their security after thieves and fraudsters targeted Lyme Regis.

Shop owners on the seafront noticed fake £20 notes in circulation and reported the incidents to the police.

PCSO Luke White said: “Some fake notes had passed into the shops and were unfortunately accepted before staff could highlight it to us.

“This sort of issue can be quite common at this time of year.

“We would like to urge both the shops and public that if you are receiving money at a shop or are purchasing goods, always check the notes’ authenticity by using either a UV indicator pen or a note detector.”

The Safer Neighbourhood Team took to social media to warn about the counterfeit cash.

Lyme PC Richard Winward also urged people to be on their guard after a purse was stolen from behind the counter of a shop.

There were no witnesses to the crime, but the purse, which belonged to a member of staff at the shop in Broad Street, was stolen at some point on August 22.

The purse contained keys, cash and credit cards.

PC Winward said: “Shops must consider their security, whether it is their stock, their takings or property of the staff.

“Unfortunately there are people who are constantly looking for opportunities to steal.

“As well as the upset being a victim causes, it is also hugely inconvenient, with the worry of credit cards being used by the offender and locks having to be changed.”

Dorset Police have said if anybody notices any fake notes, no matter the value, they should contact 101 immediately, where they can then arrange to either drop the fake note off at a police station or an officer can come and collect it off them.

If anybody has any information regarding the theft of the purse they are urged to contact 101 as soon as possible.