High security for raid note swap

A major security operation is to oversee the delivery of new notes

A major security operation is taking place across Northern Ireland to ensure the replacement of £240m of Northern Bank notes goes smoothly.

Police said a special command room has been set up in Belfast and extra police resources deployed across the province.

Old Northern Bank money is being exchanged for notes with a new design in the wake of the £26.5m robbery from the bank's Belfast headquarters.

New notes will be delivered to 95 branches over several weeks.

Police on both sides of the border believe the IRA was behind the robbery, which the republican paramilitary group has denied.

On Wednesday the Northern Bank unveiled the new designs for all £10, £20, £50 and £100 notes.

They will have new colours, logos and the serial numbers on the notes will also be changed.

Members of the public have been urged to watch out for criminals trying to exploit the situation.

The new look £20 which will be in circulation from next week

Inspector Philip McCullough, a senior PSNI crime prevention officer, said people should "look out for themselves and those who may be vulnerable".

"Anyone who would like further information can contact the crime prevention officer at their local police station," he said.

The old Northern Bank money will only be exchanged in banks and people have been urged to contact police if someone claiming to be from the 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 also advised not to wait, but to return to that branch another day.