Katherine police are calling for public assistance after receiving reports of counterfeit notes found exchanged at three local businesses in Katherine over the past two days.

The male offender is alleged to have entered a local service station at about 11:10am yesterday and purchased a packet of cigarettes with a suspicious $50 note.

The second incident was reported to have occurred at a Katherine electronics shop at midday yesterday. The offender allegedly entered the shop and purchased a bottle of solvent with a suspicious note before leaving the area.

Another two $50 notes were located by staff at a grocery store in Katherine. The suspicious money is believed to have been passed through the smoke counter between Monday evening and yesterday afternoon.

The notes are described as:
Smaller in length and width than an authentic $50 note
Obvious white paper marks down one side.
May have roughly cut edges
Darker in colour
Thicker than a regular note as if covered with contact on one side
When held to the light, the Coat of Arms shadow image does not appear in the note.

The alleged offender is described as a Caucasian male, aged between late 30s and early 40s; medium build with brown hair and at the time was wearing a green khaki t-shirt, blue shorts and thongs.

"The man appears to be targeting busy shops and is purchasing relative inexpensive items in order to receive change," said Detective Sergeant Ian Young.

"Police urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious notes."

Any one with information in relation to the incidents is urged to contact Police on
8973 8000, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00.

Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185