Hatton Garden Thieves Spent Three Years Planning Raid
November 25, 15
(IDEX Online News) – Thieves who used a diamond-tipped drill to break into London’s Hatton Garden Safe Deposit and steal £14 million ($21.1 million) worth of jewels, gold and cash, spent three years planning the heist according to a report in The Guardian.
The gang, which included as many as 13 members, was led by 76-year-old Brian Reader. He and three other ringleaders, men in their 50s, 60s and 70s, watched YouTube demonstrations of a drill powerful enough to bore through the thick reinforced concrete wall protecting the vault, according to the prosecution.
Prosecutor Philip Evans told the court, “This offense was to be the largest in English legal history.” He also said that although £14 million worth of valuables had been recovered, it is estimated that around £9million worth of valuables, including platinum, precious stones and gold is still missing.
When police raided Reader’s home they found a diamond tester, a diamond gauge, diamond magazines and books about the gem underworld, and forensic counter-measures.
Reader and the other three ringleaders have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle with intent to steal jewelry. The jury is also hearing the case against four other men alleged to be involved in the plot to burgle or accused of handling the proceeds of the heist. All of these defendants deny the charges.