‘Straylia’: Fake money stolen bearing Australian legends’ faces

Police are investigating a strange crime that involves a late Australian legend and a favourite character from Home and Away.

Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin has been caught up in a bizarre crime involving fake dollar bills.

Business owners are being warned about the presence of fake notes which bear the faces of a late Australian icon and Home And Away Star.

On Monday a thugs entered a Wilkinson St premises in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and stole fake money, which was being used for a film and television production.

But there are several distinguishing features that differentiate the cash from a real $100 note - most notably, the traditional visages of Sir John Monash and Dame Nellie Melba have been replaced with crocodile hunter Steve Irwin and Alf from Home And Away.

Steve Irwin and John Farnham are featured on the fake $100 note. Picture: Northern Territory Police

Home And Away favourite Alf also features, while there is a mining haul truck on both sides. Picture: Northern Territory Police

Other eye-catching differences include the Australian Masked Owl and Native wattle being shunted for a mining haul truck, legendary singer John Farnham taking over for the Shine of Remembrance, and the word Australia being shortened to Straylia.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Robert Kent said various fake notes could potentially be circulating in the community in an attempt to trick residents.

“At this stage investigators are unsure of how much fake money was stolen but it may include $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills,” he said.

A real Australian $100 note.

“Police would suggest maybe taking a quick glance at any bills received for the next few weeks to make sure you’re getting the real thing.”

Anyone with information has been urged to contact 131 444 and quote 10154370.