A major security operation is being planned across Northern Ireland next week to ensure the replacement of £240 million worth of notes from the Northern Bank goes smoothly.
A staff member displays one of the new Northern Bank notes (top) which come in to circulation from next Monday. A sample of one of the withdrawn notes is also displayed. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/PA
Police said a special command room has been set up in Belfast and extra police resources deployed throughout Northern Ireland 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 today to watch out for criminals trying to exploit the situation as old Northern Bank money is exchanged for notes with a new design from next week.
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 leaders 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 £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 of the PSNI said today: "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."
PA