On 3 February 2026, Derbyshire Constabulary issued a public warning after arrests were made in Swadlincote in connection with counterfeit currency offences. The force announced that three men had been arrested in Swadlincote; those arrests were carried out between 31 January and 2 February 2026, and a public alert was issued on 3 February.
According to reporting in Derbyshire Live and police statements, investigators say the suspects used film ‘prop money’ that had been altered with silver foil adhesive labels embossed with the words “Prop Money” to mimic real polymer banknotes. Officers say the counterfeit notes have been used in the town’s High Street shopping area and in residential exchanges around Midway and Castle Gresley, and have also been offered via online marketplaces.
PC Louise Rodger of the force’s Fraud Unit (and other officers quoted in police statements) warned that the silver security areas on some of the notes are actually adhesive labels. She advised business owners to use ultraviolet (UV) scanners and to carry out ‘look, feel, tilt’ checks on banknotes before accepting them. Residents were also urged to be cautious when selling items to strangers on digital marketplaces.
Derbyshire Alert and local Safer Neighbourhood Teams have shared the warning with residents to help identify any more examples of the fake currency. The three men were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and possession of counterfeit currency; according to local reporting they have been released on bail while enquiries continue. Police say specialist units are continuing to investigate the source of the notes and asked anyone with information to contact Derbyshire Constabulary.
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