Residents in Helston and the surrounding area are being warned over the recent increase in the use of fake banknotes in the area.

Police have issued an appeal for information after thieves used fake banknotes to steal electrical items being sold on Facebook across Cornwall.

Two females have agreed to purchase high-end electrical items such as games consoles by contacting sellers on the Facebook Messenger app.

It's reported that the pair then collect the items from the sellers and hand over an envelope filled with counterfeit currency before fleeing the scene with the goods.

Police have received five reports of people all over Cornwall being targeted by the pair from Camelford to Penzance and other locations in between.

It's believed they have made off with around £2,000 worth of goods so far.

The females are described as white, both about 5'4" tall. One is believed to be in her mid-40s with blonde hair and a slim build. The other is aged in her early 20s with wavy brown hair and also of slim build.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said:

"We would ask anyone selling items privately to be wary when accepting cash from strangers.

"If you or anyone else you know has fallen foul of a scam like this, please contact police immediately."

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police on 101 or via email on [email protected] quoting crime reference CR/011791/21.

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