System for handling banknotes within a geographically limited area

A method for handling banknotes within a geographically limited area using an integrated network which includes a plurality of banknote handling machines positioned over the geographically limited area for depositing and withdrawing banknotes, an information centre common to the plurality of banknote handling machines for receiving information from and sending information and control signals to said banknote handling machines, and a plurality of transport vehicles, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving banknotes within said plurality of banknote handling machines;
• determining, by said banknote handling machines, said received banknotes as being of accepted quality or non-accepted quality, and identifying any false banknotes received;
• separately bundling, counting and cassette-packaging surplus banknotes of accepted quality, non-accepted quality, and any false banknotes identified, said cassette-packaging by said banknote handling machines sealing banknote packages in sealed cassettes that reveal an unlawful entry attempt;
• receiving, by said information centre, information from said plurality of banknote handling machines which includes factual data relating to stored banknotes and cassette-packaged banknotes of accepted quality, of non-accepted quality, and any false banknotes that may have been identified;
• and
• transporting sealed cassette-packaged banknotes to and from said banknote handling machines by said transport vehicles in response to orders from the information centre issued on the basis of information sent from the banknote handling machines to said information centre.