Top security as Northern Bank notes are replaced

A MAJOR security operation is being planned across Northern Ireland next week to ensure the replacement of £240 million worth of sterling notes from the Northern Bank goes smoothly.

Police said a special command room has been set up in Belfast and extra police resources deployed throughout the province to oversee the operation at 95 branches in the wake of last December's record £26.5 million robbery from the bank's headquarters.

Members of the public were also urged yesterday to watch out for criminals trying to exploit the situation as old Northern Bank money is exchanged for notes with a new design.