Major operation will monitor Northern Bank note exchange

The PSNI is to mount a major security operation over the coming weeks to ensure the process of exchanging Northern Bank notes is conducted “securely and safely”.

Police have set up a special command room in Belfast to oversee the security operation surrounding the notes transfer which follows December’s £26.5 million bank raid in the city.

Extra resources are being deployed throughout Northern Ireland to ensure the process runs effectively, officers said.

In addition to the extensive police operation, police said members of the public can take a number of simple steps to ensure they do not become victims of crime during the exchange of notes, which begins on Monday 14 March, and runs for a number of weeks.

Police have issued the following guidelines:

• Don't rush in on day one – the facility to exchange notes will run for several weeks.
• The only way to have notes exchanged is to visit a bank. No one will call at your door to collect money on behalf of the bank: if someone does, you should close the door and call the police.
• Ensure older relatives and friends are accompanied to the bank with cash.
• If there is a queue outside the bank, don't wait – come back another day.
• Carry money on your person, not in a bag.

Senior Crime Prevention officer, Inspector Philip McCullough, said: "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. Anyone who would like further information can contact the Crime Prevention Officer at their local police station."

If someone has more than £1,000 in Northern Bank notes to exchange and does not have a bank or building society account, they will be required to open an account at a financial institution.

Money laundering regulations stipulate that an individual must supply photographic identification and proof of where they live, such as a correctly addressed utility bill less than three months old.

(MB/SP)