RESIDENTS in Bolton are being urged to report information on those responsible for making, buying or selling fake bank notes ahead of Christmas.

Crimestoppers is launching its annual appeal, as it says fake banknotes can be more prevalent around Christmas time as people prepare for the festive holidays.

Last year about £8 million worth of fake banknotes were removed from the streets.

Roger Critchell, director of operations for Crimestoppers, said: “The public should not be tempted by these notes, as it is a criminal offence to knowingly hold or use them.

"The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of counterfeit money, especially around Christmas when money can be tight, but also to highlight how heartless and callous fraudsters can be when targeting their victims.

"I’d ask that anyone with information on those selling counterfeit notes contact Crimestoppers anonymously, safe in the knowledge no one will know you spoke to us, and knowing you may have prevented someone’s Christmas from being ruined."