Top security as Northern Bank notes are replaced
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.
Police on both sides of the Border believe the IRA was behind the heist which seriously damaged hopes that a power-sharing government could be revived in Northern Ireland this year.
Following the Independent Monitoring Commission's claim that Sinn Féin chiefs in leadership roles in the IRA sanctioned the raid, MPs backed government moves yesterday to strip Sinn Féin of £400,000 in House of Commons allowances.
Two days ago the Northern Bank revealed all sterling £10, £20, £50 and £100 notes would be replaced on Monday with notes with a new logo and different colour.
The serial numbers on the notes will also be changed.
Inspector Philip McCullough, a senior PSNI Crime Prevention officer, said yesterday: "Undoubtedly there is an increased risk of crime over the coming weeks as this huge financial and logistical operation swings into effect.
"Police will certainly be playing their part to ensure everything goes according to plan.
"I would urge everyone in the community to exercise the utmost vigilance, to look out for themselves and those who may be vulnerable."
Police reminded the public that old Northern Bank money will only be exchanged in banks.
The public were urged to close the door and call the police if someone purporting to be from the Northern Bank calls at their home offering to collect money.
They were also asked to ensure older relatives and friends are accompanied to the bank with cash.
People were also advised not to immediately rush to Northern Bank branches on Monday to have their notes replaced, as the operation will run for several weeks.
During the replacement period, old notes can still be used in the normal way in shops, restaurants, bars and for paying for services. If there is a queue outside the bank, people are advised not to wait, but to return to that branch another day.
On all notes, the Northern Bank's logo in capital letters has been changed to Northern in italics.
Various issue dates have been replaced with 19 January 2005.
The colour of the £10 note has been changed from brown to green and serial numbers will be prefixed with a G instead of B.
The £20 notes have been changed from purple to blue and serial number prefix will change to H from C. The £50 note will be purple instead of green, with a serial number beginning with J instead of D.
The £100 note will change from black and white to red and the serial number will start with a K instead of an E.
