CHARITY stores in Witney are warning of hard-to- detect fake £20 notes after four shops fell victim on the same day.

The African Children’s Fund, Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, Sue Ryder and Helen & Douglas House were all targeted between 10am and 11.30am on Tuesday.

A man purchased a £1.99 Garfield DVD with a fake £20 note in The African Children’s Fund shop in Corn Street between 10.35am and 10.40am.

He was described as in his late 30s, well spoken, 5ft 7in tall, with brown hair, and wearing a brown jacket.

The other charity stores were not able to give a description of the person who used the fake £20 note, but police are linking the incidents.

Anita Staniford, joint manager at The African Children’s Fund in Witney, said: “We cannot believe they have done this to us. I suppose it is because we are vulnerable, compared to Waitrose or Tesco.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

For a video on how to spot a fake £20 note, see our website, oxfordmail.co.uk