London has been the setting for some of the most daring heists in history. From the infamous Brink’s-Mat robbery to the Great Train Robbery, London has seen its fair share of thefts that have captured the public’s imagination.
But what was the biggest heist in London? Let’s take a closer look.
The Hatton Garden Heist
In 2015, a group of thieves pulled off one of the most audacious heists in London’s history. The Target was Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Ltd, a company located in London’s jewellery district that provided secure storage for businesses and individuals.
The thieves spent months planning their attack, drilling through concrete walls and using diamond-tipped tools to break into more than 70 safety deposit boxes. They made off with an estimated £200 million worth of cash, jewels and other valuables.
The Perpetrators
The gang responsible for the Hatton Garden heist were a group of elderly career criminals who had spent their lives working in London’s underworld. The leader of the group was Brian Reader, an 76-year-old veteran criminal who had previously been jailed for his role in another high-profile robbery.
The rest of the gang included men with names like Terry Perkins, John Collins and Danny Jones – all experienced criminals who had served time for various offences over the years.
The Aftermath
Despite their meticulous planning and execution, the thieves made several mistakes that ultimately led to their downfall. They left behind DNA evidence at the scene, as well as CCTV footage that showed them entering and leaving the building.
In March 2016, four members of the gang were sentenced to a total of 34 years in prison. Two others received suspended sentences, while two more are still on trial.
Conclusion
In terms of sheer value stolen, it’s hard to argue that the Hatton Garden heist wasn’t the biggest in London’s history. The fact that it was carried out by a group of elderly criminals with a combined age of over 400 only adds to the audacity of the crime.
While the thieves may have thought they had pulled off the perfect heist, ultimately they were caught and brought to justice. It serves as a reminder that no matter how well-planned a crime may be, there are always risks involved and consequences to face.