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The Worst Heist Of All Time?

september 2022

If you went to prison, what would it be for? A few years ago, Prison Break, captured the nation’s attention.

Every week over 9 million people tuned in to follow the story of genius Michael Scofield and his death-row brother, Lincoln Burrows, as they tried to escape a maximum security prison.

I’m no big TV watcher, but even I have to admit this one was pretty gripping… But it’s not the only “heist” TV show to grip the nation.

Ocean’s Eleven, Point Break, The Italian Job, Money Heist…The list goes on. So what makes this type of storyline so engaging? I have a theory.

You see, I think that deep down, we all fancy ourselves as a bit of a criminal mastermind. We’re convinced that in another life, with fewer responsibilities and questionable morals, we’d be able to pull off “the heist of all time” and get away with it. Sadly, for two young lads in Gloucester, that’s not quite how it went…

As a freight forwarder, I hate to hear stories of cargo theft and robbery. But I have to say, this one did tickle me a little. Caught up in the chaos of drugs and debt, the young lads decided to partake in what the media were calling “a sophisticated operation” to raid a lorry while the driver slept inside. They took seven pallets off the back of the lorry and then fled when another driver saw them and alerted the police. They ended up driving the wrong way on the A40 before dumping their lorry near a BMW dealership and running away. Not exactly an expert heist – and one that landed them with jail time and community service.

So what was the precious cargo they risked their life and freedom for? Gold? Jewels? Money? No. It was chewing gum. £30,000 worth of Wrigley’s gum. Now, I’ve no idea if they knew what was inside the pallets or not, but I know that if I got a criminal record and jail time I’d want it to be for something better than gum… I guess they weren’t quite the criminal masterminds they dreamed they could be.

But there’s another good lesson to be learned here… You see, in this story, the criminals were caught and the cargo returned to its rightful owner. But that’s not always the way the story goes. When you’re moving goods around the world, there is always (a small) risk of theft, fire or even hurricanes! That’s why it’s essential that your goods are insured. Do you understand cargo insurance? Are you sure your freight is fully protected? It’s best to check before it’s too late…

But in the meantime, do you have any great heist stories? I’d love to hear them…

English