RAPAPORT... Burglars
spent three years planning a heist in London’s Hatton Garden Safe Deposit to
steal $21.1 million (GBP 14 million) of jewels, gold and cash, a court heard on
the opening day of the trial, according to The Guardian.
A gang led by 76-year-old Brian Reader bore a hole through a
concrete wall to enter the vault, the country’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
alleged, the news report said, citing the court hearing.
The ringleaders prepared by watching YouTube videos demonstrating how to use a
drill capable of penetrating thick walls, the court heard.
Some $13.6m of valuables stolen are still missing, including
gems, gold and platinum, prosecutors told the Woolwich Crown Court in south
London November 23.
It also emerged police raided the home of Reader, known by
the gang as the ‘master’ and the ‘guv’nor’, and found a book on the
precious-stones underworld, a diamond tester a diamond gauge and diamond
magazines, The Guardian reported.
While Reader and three other suspects alleged to be the
ringleaders have already pleaded guilty, new details emerged in the fresh trial
against a further four defendants, according to the report.
The trial, which has been described as the biggest burglary
in English legal history, continues.
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