A group of robbers kidnapped the manager of a Securitas depot and his family before gaining access to the building in Tonbridge, England, in February 2006. The thieves proceeded to tie up employees and attempt to steal as much cash as possible, ultimately making off with £53 million (equivalent to $176 million today).
The Largest Cash Robbery in UK History
The robbery was hampered by the thieves’ inability to operate the machinery used to move large pallets of cash. Eventually, a hostage was forced to operate a power lifter at gunpoint.
Despite successfully stealing £53 million, the robbers left behind an additional £154 million due to a lack of transport capacity.
Police quickly began making arrests in the days following the robbery, and most of the suspects were apprehended. Seven people were ultimately convicted, including several MMA fighters who had met at the gym.
Approximately £20 million has been recovered, but two suspects remain at large.
The incident echoes a similar heist involving a security firm called Brink’s-Mat in London, where robbers initially sought a quick smash-and-grab but instead discovered three tonnes of gold being stored overnight before shipment to Hong Kong.
That operation ultimately yielded a haul of gold, cash, travellers’ cheques, and precious stones estimated at $588 million in today’s money.
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