The latest crime wave of fake notes is taking its toll on many businesses, at a time when the legalised criminals (!) – the councils, energy companies et al – are also baron robbing small operators on the UK’s high streets. We jest of course, but this is no joke. There is a real cost to counterfeit bank notes, and Boston Bowl’s Fiona Watts lays it out..
A bowling alley operator from Boston has described her “devastation” at finding £200 of notes taken on New Year’s Eve were counterfeit, with Lincolnshire Police warning the circulation of forgeries is on the rise.
Speaking to the BBC, Boston Bowl owner Fiona Watts said the discovery is “a slap in the face” during a period when businesses are facing a raft of financial challenges, including rising employment costs.
“It’s a week’s wages for some people,” said Watts. “It’s a lot of money for any business when we’re struggling as it is anyway.”
“If you’re busy these things can be easily missed. It depends on how good the fake is, but a good one’s quite difficult to spot.”
The incident occurred during the “exceptionally busy” NYE celebrations, and the notes were only identified when Watts took the takings to the Post Office.
“It got confiscated straight away, we just had to write that £200 off.”
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police told the BBC it had seen an increase in imitation currency, adding “with the move towards a more cashless society, people may be less used to handling cash notes and aren’t sure what to look for in the newer-style notes.”
Originally published on Coinslot on February 23, 2026. Republished with permission.