FAKE cash is swapping hands on the streets of Ipswich by con men hoping to coin in on cashiers' ignorance.But publicans, who have captured one of the counterfeiters on CCTV tape, may have the last laugh.

FAKE cash is swapping hands on the streets of Ipswich by con men hoping to coin in on cashiers' ignorance.

But publicans, who have captured one of the counterfeiters on CCTV tape, may have the last laugh.

A con man, confident enough to use the funny money at lunchtime rather wait for a busy evening session, paid for two Bacardi breezers with a fake £50 in PJMcginty's.

But unbeknown to the counterfeiter, he was being filmed by cameras dotted around the Northgate Street bar.

Publican Michael Collins said: "I handed the fake note to the police along with the CCTV footage. The bar staff didn't spot the obvious forgery.

"But we went through the tape later. The chap was acting very suspiciously. He was very on edge. The cameras caught the chap very well."

Minutes later the same day a man of the same description sauntered into the Cock and Pye in Upper Brook Street and tried the scam again.

Mr Collins believes the con man may be part of a gang of out-of-towners targeting the town as a one off.

He said: "In my experience they work in gangs and may not come from the area. They might already have left town."

The quality of the photocopied notes was poor, he added.

Mr Collins, who heads Ipswich's Pubwatch scheme, used his radio link to warn other retailers in the area.

He added: "But I would warn any pub, club and shop owners in the town to be on their guard."

Police have described the con man as medium height but broad build in his early thirties with short brown hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt and black jeans.

Anyone who is approached with fake fifties should contact Ipswich Police on 01473 613 500.