£240m operation to replace Northern Bank notes begins

A MAJOR security operation is underway across the North to ensure the replacement of £240 million worth of notes from the Northern Bank goes smoothly.

A special command room has been set up in Belfast and extra police resources are being deployed throughout the North 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 have been urged to be on their guard against criminals trying to exploit the situation as old Northern Bank money is exchanged for notes with a new design produced in a bid to prevent the stolen money being used.