Solving Securitas - the UK's biggest cash robbery

The inside story of how detectives solved the UK’s biggest cash robbery is the focus of a new documentary released to mark the 20^th anniversary of the heist.

On 21 February 2006, the manager of a Securitas cash depot in Tonbridge was kidnapped on his way home from work and taken hostage with his family by an armed gang.

Forcing the manager to grant them access to the depot overnight, a group of seven masked men held staff inside the facility at gunpoint while they stole almost £53 million.

From inside agents and prosthetic disguises, to spy cameras and a mansion in Morrocco, what followed was the largest investigation in Kent Police’s history.

More than one billion fingerprint checks were made, 40,000 lines of phone data were assessed, and 14,500 pieces of evidence were considered at court.

To coincide with the anniversary of the robbery, Kent Police has released a feature-length documentary looking back at the case and speaking to those who helped solve it.

Featuring original evidence, including recordings made by the robbers, the film is being released on Friday 20 February.

Chief Constable of Kent Police, Tim Smith, who was one of two senior investigating officers in charge of the Securitas investigation, said:

‘The robbery, including the kidnap of the depot manager, is one of the most elaborate in UK criminal history but it also stands as an example of Kent Police’s commitment to bringing offenders to justice and tackling organised crime. ‘While the heist itself captured widespread attention, and understandably so, at the heart of this were terrified victims who were held and threatened at gunpoint. ‘Through good old fashioned police work, justice was ultimately served and I’m really pleased that as a police force, we’re able to share with you how we went about solving such a huge and complex case.’

The robbery remains subject to a live investigation, with more than £30 million still outstanding and officers remain keen to hear from anyone who may still have information about those involved or where the unaccounted cash has gone to.

Anyone with information that may assist the ongoing investigation can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.