Ready for a trip through some of the most infamous failed bank robberies ever? You’re in the right place. In this post, we’re diving into eight heists that almost made it into the history books for their daring plans and unexpected twists.
From botched break-ins to foiled vault raids, these stories are a lesson in what happens when ambitious heists don’t go as planned.
Buckle up for a straightforward look at the heists that aimed high but fell short, and see what it really takes to (not) pull off the crime of the century.
In This Article
Table Summary: Eight Notable Failed Bank Heist Attempts
| # | Robbery | Location | Target | Outcome | Notable Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United California Bank Burglary, 1972 | Laguna Niguel, California, USA | Cash and valuables in vault | Burglars caught, partial recovery | Used dynamite to access vault |
| 2 | Banco Central Burglary, 2005 | Fortaleza, Brazil | Bank vault money | Most money recovered, arrests made | 78-meter-long tunnel to vault |
| 3 | Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery, 1987 | London, UK | Safe deposit boxes | Viccei caught, recovery made | Viccei’s fingerprint on rental car |
| 4 | Millennium Dome Raid, 2000 | London, UK | Diamond exhibit | Foiled by police sting operation | Diamonds replaced with fakes |
| 5 | Antwerp Diamond Heist, 2003 | Antwerp, Belgium | Diamond vault | Most diamonds unrecovered, arrests made | DNA evidence from sandwich |
| 6 | Harry Winston Heist, 2008 | Paris, France | Jewelry vault | Partial recovery, arrests made | Robbers disguised as women |
| 7 | Norrmalmstorg Robbery, 1973 | Stockholm, Sweden | Bank hostages | Hostages unharmed, robbers surrendered | Origin of ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ |
The Almost-Legendary 1972 Bank of America Heist: A Tale of Overlooked Details
The Scene: What Went Down in Laguna Niguel
Rewind to 24th March 1972, in Laguna Niguel, California, where a meticulously planned heist was about to take place.
The mastermind behind this ambitious operation was none other than Amil Dinsio, a renowned burglar from Youngstown, Ohio. Dinsio, along with his brother James, nephews Harry and Ronald Barber, brother-in-law Charles Mulligan, and accomplices Phil Christopher and Charles Broeckel, set their sights on the United California Bank.
Their target? A whopping $9 million (equivalent to about $63 million today) in cash and valuables.
The Heist: A High-Stakes Operation
This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill bank job. The Dinsio crew, known for their expertise in safe-cracking, planned to break into the bank’s vault using dynamite to blast through the reinforced concrete roof – a bold and dangerous move.
The team was well-prepared, with Christopher, an alarm expert, playing a key role in disarming the security system.1
The Vault: More Than Just a Safe
The United California Bank’s vault was a fortress, designed to keep its contents out of the wrong hands. But the Dinsio crew was not deterred. They managed to gain entry and bust open safe deposit boxes, making off with a fortune.
The Downfall: A Trail to Ohio
While the burglary itself was executed flawlessly, leaving no immediate evidence, the gang’s subsequent actions in Ohio would lead to their downfall.
The FBI, connecting the dots between this heist and a similar one in Ohio, managed to track down the crew through transportation records and recovered fingerprints from a townhouse the gang had used.
The Aftermath: Arrests and Convictions
The investigation culminated in the arrest and conviction of the burglars. Unfortunately, only a portion of the stolen money was recovered. The story of this heist is a blend of criminal ingenuity and a small, yet crucial, oversight that led to the gang’s capture.
In Popular Culture
The legacy of this heist has been captured in various media. Amil Dinsio’s self-published book2, “Inside The Vault,” and the 2012 movie “Superthief,” highlight the intricate planning and execution of the burglary. The 2019 movie “Finding Steve McQueen” and the NBC show “Super Heists” further explore the dramatic story of this heist and its connection to historical events.
The Banco Central Burglary of 2005: A Heist That Almost Shook Brazil
The Scene: Fortaleza, Brazil’s Own Ocean’s Eleven
Fast forward to 2005, and we’re jetting off to Fortaleza, Brazil. Here, a plot that seems ripped right from a heist movie was unfolding in real life.
A gang, ambitious and cunning, had their eyes set on a prize that could set them for life – the Banco Central’s vault, brimming with 160 million Brazilian reais (about $70 million USD).3
The Heist: More than Just a Smash and Grab
This wasn’t your average break-the-door-down and grab-the-cash robbery. No, these guys were playing a different game. They rented a commercial property in the city and pretended to run a landscaping business.
But their real work was happening underground – literally. Over three months, they tunneled 78 meters to the bank’s vault. This was a feat of engineering and patience, a testament to how far they were willing to go.
The Vault: Brazil’s Money Fortress
The Banco Central’s vault was no joke. It was designed to be impenetrable, a safe haven for the country’s currency reserves. But these robbers were determined. They bypassed a 1.1-meter-thick reinforced concrete wall to get to the money.
Just imagine the shock on the bank staff’s faces when they discovered the breach on that fateful Monday morning!
The Twist: Almost Perfect, but Not Quite
Initially, it seemed like the perfect crime. The robbers got away with the loot, and there were no alarms, no violence, no hostages. But, as often happens, the perfect crime unraveled.
The police managed to recover most of the stolen money, and many involved in the heist were arrested. It turns out, getting away with one of the biggest heists in history isn’t as easy as digging a tunnel and grabbing the cash.
The Cultural Echo: A Heist that Inspired More than Just Headlines
The Banco Central burglary of 2005 wasn’t just news; it became a cultural phenomenon. It inspired movies, documentaries, and even TV series, all trying to capture the audacity and drama of this heist.
One notable example is the 2011 movie “Assalto ao Banco Central,” which portrays a fictionalized version of the robbery. This heist has become a part of Brazil’s modern folklore, a story of ambition, ingenuity, and the inevitable fall.
Wrapping It Up
So there’s the scoop on the Banco Central burglary – a daring tunnel, a massive haul, and a plan that almost went off without a hitch. It’s a story that reminds us of the lengths people will go to outsmart bank security, and how sometimes, even the best-laid plans can come undone.
The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery, 1987: London’s Brush with Vault-Breaking Royalty
The Scene: Posh Knightsbridge, 1987
Let’s hop across the pond to 1987 London, in the upscale neighborhood of Knightsbridge.
This is where Valerio Viccei, an Italian playboy and mastermind, decided to up the ante in the world of safe heists.
His target? The Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Centre, known for its wealthy clients and their even wealthier possessions.4
The Heist: A Blend of Charm and Audacity
Viccei wasn’t your run-of-the-mill robber. He had charm, brains, and a daring plan. Disguising the robbery as a safety deposit box rental, Viccei and his gang managed to overpower the staff and gain access to the vault. Inside were safe deposit boxes filled with millions – cash, jewels, and other valuables.
The haul was massive, estimated at around £60 million!5
The Vault: A False Sense of Security
Knightsbridge’s vault was considered impregnable, a fortress safeguarding London’s riches.
But Viccei’s plan showed that sometimes, all it takes is a cunning plan and a bit of bravado to breach walls thought unbreachable.
The Downfall: Luxury’s Lure
Ironically, Viccei’s love for luxury became his undoing. His fingerprint was found on a rental car, leading detectives straight to him. It’s almost poetic – the man who lived for extravagance was brought down by his own indulgences.
Echoes in Pop Culture
The Knightsbridge robbery echoed through the corridors of pop culture, inspiring various crime stories and characters. Viccei himself became something of a criminal celebrity, his life and heist inspiring books and films. One notable example is the book “The Knightsbridge Robbery” by Tim Coates, which delves into the thrilling details of this audacious heist.
In Conclusion: A Tale of Glamour and Greed
The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery wasn’t just a heist; it was a statement. It showed the world that sometimes, all it takes to crack a vault is a mix of charm, intelligence, and audacity.
Viccei’s story is a blend of glamour, greed, and the ultimate price of both. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into more such fascinating tales from the world of bank safes and vaults – where a single slip can turn a mastermind into a memory!
The Millennium Dome Raid, 2000: A Diamond Heist Straight Out of a Spy Movie
The Scene: The Millennium Dome, London, 2000
As we ushered in the new millennium, London’s Millennium Dome, a symbol of futuristic architecture, became the stage for one of the most audacious heist attempts in history.
The target wasn’t cash but something far shinier – diamonds, including the famous Millennium Star, one of the world’s largest at 203 carats, and a collection of other priceless gems, valued at a staggering £350 million.
The Heist: A Plot Worthy of Hollywood
This wasn’t your typical sneak-and-grab operation. The gang, equipped with a JCB digger, a speedboat for the escape, and even smoke grenades, seemed to have leaped right out of an action movie script.
Their plan was to smash into the Dome, break through the De Beers diamond exhibit’s unbreakable glass, grab the gems, and speed away down the Thames. It was a plan that reeked of both genius and madness.
The Vault: More Than Just Glass
The De Beers diamond exhibit was a vault in its own right. The diamonds, including the Millennium Star, were housed behind multiple layers of protective, supposedly impenetrable glass, specifically designed to thwart any robbery attempt.
It was, in every sense, a modern-day treasure chest.
The Twist: An Epic Takedown
But here’s where our tale veers from the typical heist narrative. Unbeknownst to the robbers, the police were already on their trail.
Thanks to a tip-off, the authorities had replaced the real diamonds with fakes and set up an elaborate sting operation.
When the gang broke in, ready to claim their prize, they were met not with diamonds, but with a fleet of police officers. It was game over before the game had really started.
The Aftermath and Cultural Resonance
The failed Millennium Dome raid grabbed headlines worldwide, and its audacity left people both amazed and amused. The story has been featured in documentaries and referenced in popular culture, often cited as an example of a grand plan foiled by solid police work.
The BBC documentary “The Great Dome Robbery” gives a detailed account of this heist, capturing the drama and sheer boldness of the attempt.
Wrapping Up: A Heist That Became a Legend
The Millennium Dome raid is a reminder that sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. It’s a tale of ambition, meticulous planning, and the thin line between infamy and failure.
In the world of bank and vault heists, this story stands out for its cinematic flair and the stark reminder that sometimes, even the most daring plans can fall flat.
Related: My subjective list of the Most Secure Bank Vault in the World
The Antwerp Diamond Heist, 2003: The Almost Perfect Crime
The Scene: Antwerp Diamond District, 2003
In 2003, the Antwerp Diamond District, the world capital of diamond trading, became the epicenter of what’s often called the “heist of the century.”
The target? The Antwerp Diamond Center’s vault, housing an estimated $100 million in diamonds, gold, and other jewels. A treasure trove that would tempt even the most virtuous.
The Mastermind and the Plan
The heist was orchestrated by Leonardo Notarbartolo, a man with a suave demeanor and a knack for planning.
His scheme was meticulously crafted: renting a safety deposit box in the vault, studying the security systems in detail, and assembling a team of skilled thieves.
This wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a masterclass in precision and patience.
The Vault: A Labyrinth of Security
The Antwerp Diamond Center’s vault was an underground fortress. Protected by multiple security layers, including combination locks, keypads, and infrared heat detectors, it was deemed virtually impenetrable.
It was a challenge any thief would dream of overcoming – and Notarbartolo accepted it.
The Execution: A Symphony of Stealth
In February 2003, over the course of a weekend, Notarbartolo and his team disabled the security system, bypassed the 10-layered security, and broke into the vault. They managed to empty 123 of the 160 safe deposit boxes – a feat that stunned the world. The gang left minimal evidence, and initially, it seemed they had pulled off the impossible.
The Downfall: A Trail of Crumbs
But, as with many great heist stories, a small oversight led to their unraveling. A partially eaten sandwich found near the crime scene became a crucial piece of DNA evidence.
Notarbartolo was arrested, and although the majority of the loot was never recovered, the “perfect crime” narrative had crumbled.
The Story’s Echo in Media
The Antwerp Diamond Heist has inspired numerous articles, documentaries, and books, fascinated by the mix of ingenuity and folly. One notable book is “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History” by Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell, which delves deep into this audacious crime.
The first episode of the ‘History’s Greatest Heists’ series, titled ‘The Antwerp Diamond Heist‘ and featuring Pierce Brosnan in the main role, is also devoted to this. It’s worth seeing.
Conclusion: A Tale of Almost Genius
The Antwerp Diamond Heist remains one of the most talked-about heists in history. It’s a story of almost unmatched cunning and audacity, yet also a testament to the fact that in the world of high-stakes thievery, there’s always a risk of leaving behind that one, crucial piece of evidence.
In our journey through the annals of bank and safe heist history, this story stands as a dazzling reminder of human ingenuity – and its limits.
The Harry Winston Heist, 2008: The Jewel Robbery That Dazzled Paris
The Scene: City of Lights, A Sparkling Target
December 2008, Paris, the city known for its romance and luxury, witnessed one of the most brazen jewel heists in history.
The stage was the prestigious Harry Winston jewelry store, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Champs-Élysées.
The store, known for its exquisite and expensive jewelry, was about to become the victim of a robbery that seemed straight out of a high-stakes thriller.
The Heist: Disguise and Daring
The robbers, in a move that seemed like a twist in a spy novel, disguised themselves as women – complete with wigs and dresses. They walked into the Harry Winston store during the late hours, blending in seamlessly. But beneath this veneer of elegance, they were armed and dangerous.
The Vault: A Treasure Trove of Gems
Inside Harry Winston’s vault were rows upon rows of precious gems, diamonds, and exclusive jewelry. We’re talking about a collection worth approximately €85 million, a treasure that would make any connoisseur’s heart skip a beat. This was not just a vault; it was a cavern of sparkling wonders.
The Execution: Swift and Shocking
The heist was executed with precision and speed. The robbers knew exactly where to go, which led to suspicions that they had inside information. They systematically raided the vault and display areas, stuffing their bags with everything from emerald necklaces to diamond rings. In less than 20 minutes, they were out, leaving behind a store in shock and disbelief.
The Aftermath: Cracks in the Perfect Crime
Initially, the heist seemed flawless. The robbers had vanished into the night with their loot. However, the police investigation gradually picked up trails.
Several arrests were made over the next few years, unraveling a network of criminals. Though a significant portion of the stolen jewels was never recovered, the once ‘perfect’ heist had shown its cracks.
Echoes in Pop Culture
The Harry Winston heist grabbed headlines around the globe and has since inspired numerous crime stories and documentaries. Its audacity, the use of disguises, and the sheer value of the stolen goods make it a tale that continues to fascinate and inspire.
Wrapping Up: A Blend of Elegance and Audacity
The 2008 Harry Winston Heist stands as a testament to the lengths thieves will go to claim their prize. It’s a story that combines the elegance of Paris with the audacity of a Hollywood movie.
The Norrmalmstorg Robbery, 1973: The Birth of Stockholm Syndrome
The Scene: A Bank in Stockholm’s Heart
Let’s turn back the clock to 1973, to the bustling streets of Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm. Here, in a quaint Sveriges Kreditbanken branch, a drama unlike any other unfolded.6
This wasn’t just a heist; it was an event that would coin a new psychological term – Stockholm Syndrome.7
The Heist: A Hostage Situation Unfolds
On a seemingly ordinary day in August, Jan-Erik Olsson, a convicted criminal on leave from prison, walked into the bank. Armed and determined, he quickly took control, holding four bank employees hostage.
Olsson’s demand? He wanted his friend, Clark Olofsson, to be brought in, along with money, guns, and a getaway car.
The Vault: A Secondary Character
In this story, the bank’s vault was more of a secondary character. The real drama played out in the main banking hall, where the hostages were held.
However, the vault’s presence, a symbol of the bank’s authority and security, loomed over the entire situation.
The Standoff: Six Days of Tension
For six agonizing days, the world watched as negotiations unfolded and the hostages began to develop a psychological bond with their captors, leading to the term “Stockholm Syndrome.”
This was more than a robbery; it was a human drama playing out on a public stage.
The Resolution: A Peaceful End
The standoff ended peacefully, with the hostages being released unharmed, and Olsson eventually being captured. Remarkably, this tense situation ended without loss of life, a testament to the Swedish police’s handling of the crisis.
The Cultural Impact: More Than Just a Robbery
The Norrmalmstorg Robbery transcended its status as a mere criminal act to become a significant cultural and psychological study subject.
The term “Stockholm Syndrome” entered the lexicon to describe the complex emotional bond that can develop between hostages and their captors. This event has been referenced in numerous studies, documentaries, and even inspired parts of movies and TV shows that explore similar themes.
In Conclusion: A Story of Human Complexity
The Norrmalmstorg Robbery is a unique entry in our journey through historical bank heists. It’s a story that intertwines crime with deep human psychology, showing us that sometimes, the most significant events in a bank aren’t just about the money in the vault but the people involved.
Wrapping It Up: A Journey Through the World of “Almost” in Bank Heists
There you have it – a whirlwind tour of some of the most audacious, yet ultimately failed, bank heists in history (subjectively selected by historyofsafes.com, of course).
From the alarm oversight in sunny California to the tunnel that didn’t quite reach the vault in São Paulo, these stories are a testament to the fact that in the world of high-stakes bank robberies, it’s often the smallest details that make or break the plan.
Sure, they didn’t make off with the loot, but they definitely won a place in the “Hall of Fame for Ambitious Attempts.” It’s like planning the perfect birthday party and forgetting to invite the guests – a swing and a miss that leaves us both amused and amazed.
For tales that ended with the bad guys (or should we say, the ‘good at being bad’ guys?) actually filling their bags, check out our next post on the most successful bank heists in history. Trust me, those stories are the ones where the birthday party had a surprise guest – success!
Stay tuned and keep diving into the fascinating world of bank heists with us – where every story is a blend of daring, drama, and sometimes, a dash of the ridiculous. So there will be more…
Info: Featured image generated using AI for visually attractive presentation.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_California_Bank_burglary ↩︎
- https://amildinsio.com/ ↩︎
- https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/cotidiano/ult95u120388.shtml ↩︎
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knightsbridge_Security_Deposit_robbery ↩︎
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3723839.stm ↩︎
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norrmalmstorg_robbery ↩︎
- https://www.britannica.com/science/Stockholm-syndrome ↩︎