CCTV images released today provide vital clues to finding the motorist who fled a Soham garage after trying to pay with counterfeit notes.
East Cambs Police hope three images – caught on the BP garage CCTV – will lead to an arrest.
A police spokesman said the driver pulled into the garage last Sunday shortly after 6.30pm.
“The unknown man arrived in a Mini Cooper convertible with an obscured number plate,” said a force spokesman.
“He filled up with fuel before he went into the shop and offered two counterfeit £50 notes in payment.
“The staff were immediately aware of the scam and retained the money which has been passed to us.
“He left when police were called, without leaving details.”
The spokesman added: “Can you identify this man and his distinctive car?
“Get in touch with us - send us a private message, call 101, or leave anonymous information via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Earlier police praised the petrol station cashier who was handed the notes, refused to give them back and promptly called police.
The spokesman said: “The cashier refused to accept them in payment for fuel and took them for us – well done”.
“In the photo these notes might look convincing but in the hand they are clearly not right.
“The ten is very small (perhaps the size of a genuine five pound note) and the fifties are printed on paper which is clearly not the same as genuine money.”
The spokesman said: “Counterfeit currency does genuine damage to the economy and inevitably leaves someone out of pocket - usually the small businesses that can’t afford to find out that they are fifty or one hundred pound down.”
The spokesman said that because of the interest shown in the counterfeit currency that was seized at the BP station they had provided a check list of how to spot these £50 notes.
He said: “Don’t fall victim. Look closely and these notes do not convince you,” he said.
“If you’re offered any for a price, don’t be tempted - it’s a crime against everyone, and they are absolutely worthless.”
He said the counterfeit £10 was particularly easy to spot since it was “very small, smaller than a fiver”.
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