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On 20 December 2004, a total of £26.5 million in cash was stolen from the headquarters of Northern Bank on Donegall Square West in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Having taken family members of two bank officials hostage, an armed gang forced the workers to help them steal used and unused pound sterling banknotes. The money was loaded into a van and driven away in two trips. This was one of the largest bank robberies in the history of the United Kingdom.
Preparation
The gang behind the robbery spent considerable time planning the heist, which involved detailed knowledge of the bank’s operations and security measures.
Preparation
The gang behind the robbery spent considerable time planning the heist, which involved detailed knowledge of the bank’s operations and security measures.
Execution
On the night of the robbery, the homes of two bank officials were invaded by the gang. Family members were held hostage, and the officials were forced to go to the bank and remove large sums of money.
Execution
On the night of the robbery, the homes of two bank officials were invaded by the gang. Family members were held hostage, and the officials were forced to go to the bank and remove large sums of money.
Escape
The thieves successfully evaded immediate capture by the police, leading to a complex and lengthy investigation.
Escape
The thieves successfully evaded immediate capture by the police, leading to a complex and lengthy investigation.
Police Investigation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) launched a massive investigation to find the culprits. Despite extensive efforts, the case remained challenging due to the professional execution of the heist.
Police Investigation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) launched a massive investigation to find the culprits. Despite extensive efforts, the case remained challenging due to the professional execution of the heist.
Political Impact
The robbery had political ramifications, as it occurred during a sensitive period in Northern Ireland’s peace process. The IRA was initially blamed for the robbery, leading to tensions in the ongoing negotiations. However, the IRA denied involvement.
Political Impact
The robbery had political ramifications, as it occurred during a sensitive period in Northern Ireland’s peace process. The IRA was initially blamed for the robbery, leading to tensions in the ongoing negotiations. However, the IRA denied involvement.
Security Measures
In response to the robbery, financial institutions in Northern Ireland and the UK reviewed and strengthened their security measures to prevent similar incidents.
Security Measures
In response to the robbery, financial institutions in Northern Ireland and the UK reviewed and strengthened their security measures to prevent similar incidents.
Public Reaction
The scale and audacity of the robbery captured public attention and raised questions about the effectiveness of bank security systems.
Public Reaction
The scale and audacity of the robbery captured public attention and raised questions about the effectiveness of bank security systems.