A gang of masked men used stolen 4x4s fitted with scaffolding poles to ram-raid some of the most historic stately homes across the country, then vanished into the night. Antiques worth tens of millions were stolen from Waddesdon Manor, home to the Rothschild collection. But one detail set this case apart: a convicted thief turned up at Lord Rothschild's door, still wearing his probation tag, and offered to recover the stolen collection himself…
Read moreThe Casanova Conman / The Murders of Margaret McOnie & Jack Shuttleworth
Robert Morphet hadn’t seen his elderly neighbour in several days. He was concerned that 88-year-old Jack could have fallen or hurt himself, so Robert decided to call in to make sure Jack was okay. When a knock at the door went unanswered, Robert walked around to his neighbour's garden and checked the shed. It was locked, but something in the back of Robert’s mind told him to look inside…
Read moreKilled On Duty / The Death Of Superintendent Gerald Richardson
Monday mornings were typically quiet. However, on August 23rd, 1971, four men wearing dark glasses and hats stormed into the shop. Joseph thought fast and ducked down—he hastily locked himself in the back room before the men could see him. He could hear the shop assistants being ordered to the floor at gunpoint, so Joseph pressed the silent alarm that alerted officers at Blackpool Police Station. It was 9:41 am. Within 15 minutes, three men would be fighting for their lives, and one of the largest manhunts in Lancashire history would be launched in search of one of the men responsible…
Read moreDeadly Break In / The Death Of Jordan Brophy
Advancements in technology and home security have allowed people to feel safer than ever in their homes. CCTV systems are more accessible, and mobile phone apps can be used to receive alerts within seconds regarding movement outside a property. Generally, these notifications are triggered by a delivery driver or a welcomed guest, but sometimes that visitor has bad intentions. Home security systems can assist users to raise the alarm. However, in October 2021, a furious father to a young child took matters into his own hands. A jury would have to decide if the accused never intended to take a life or was enacting revenge on someone they felt deserved the ultimate punishment…
Read moreThe Life & Crimes Of Eddie Chapman / Agent ZigZag
As Britain began to recover from the great depression, the lack of employment led to a rise in crime, and gangs operated under cover of darkness, cracking safes in businesses across London. The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 plummeted the nation into a period of uncertainty and turmoil. While young soldiers fought valiantly on the front lines across Nazi-occupied Europe, each nation utilised its own secret network of spies, to try and infiltrate enemy forces and gather information using covert tactics in an effort to win the war…
Read moreM25 Killer / Kenneth Noye
In rural Kent, the chances of being a victim of violent crime are minimal. The chances of using fatal force to defend yourself are even more unlikely, and having to do it twice seems unbelievable. For over twenty years, one man from Kent appeared to be connected to a significant amount of criminal activity in the area, including the biggest gold heist in history and at least two deaths…
Read moreHuman Torch Killer / Victor Castigador
The manager of an amusement arcade on the corner of Gerrard Street and Wardour Street in Soho, London, went to open the premises for business — it was just before 8 AM on Monday, April 3rd, 1989. Accompanied by his assistant, when the manager entered the building, he heard faint cries from the basement, and a strong smell of smoke hung in the air. They moved cautiously through the property, heading down some stairs to a locked storeroom. When they opened the door and went inside, they discovered a desperate situation…
Read moreThe Black Panther / Donald Neilson - Part 3
Late on the night of December 11th, 1975, police constables Stuart MacKenzie and Tony White were on patrol in the Nottinghamshire area of Mansfield Woodhouse, when they noticed a man walking in the shadows with his head down and a holdall bag over his shoulder… (Part 3 of 3).
Read moreThe Black Panther / Donald Neilson - Part 2
On February 10th, 1975, almost a month since Lesley Whittle’s kidnapping, detectives announced that the suspect was “the most wanted man in Britain”… (Part 2 of 3).
Read moreThe Black Panther / Donald Neilson - Part 1
Highley is a village built along the banks of the River Severn in Shropshire. Previously a mining area — the collieries closed in 1969 — the village became a market town. In 1975, the population was small, around 3,000 residents. Among them were 17-year-old Lesley Whittle and her mother, Dorothy Walker… (Part 1 of 3).
Read moreThe Grindr Cons
Finding prospective matches through dating websites and apps is a valid and popular way to meet people. While most online interactions do not result in a date, some lead to a meeting in person. However, the exchange may or may not result in what both parties set out to find. There is a small minority of users who utilise dating apps for both sexual and financial extortion...
Read moreGetting Away With Murder - Part 2 / The Confession Of Donald Hume
Donald Hume was charged with the murder of Stanley Setty. However, once the evidence had been presented at the trial, jurors could not reach a verdict. Hume would subsequently admit his guilt on a charge of accessory to murder and was sentenced to 12 years, but only after a second jury were instructed to return a verdict of not guilty to the murder charge. The prosecution felt it was not in the “interests of justice” to proceed. Yet, this is not where the story ends, far from it… (Part 2 of 2)
Read moreGetting Away With Murder - Part 1 / The Killing Of Stanley Setty
The torso of an adult male was discovered by an unsuspecting hunter in the marshes. Who was the unfortunate victim? And will the perpetrator be punished?… (Part 1 of 2)
Read moreThe Life & Crimes Of The Kray Twins - Part 2
After Reggie’s Kray wedding in 1965, Ronnie’s mental health continued to decline, and he suffered from both bouts of crippling depression and pathological rages. Ronnie would take medication, but over time, its effects wore off. He was paranoid and convinced everyone was out to get him… (Part 2 of 2).
Read moreThe Life & Crimes Of The Kray Twins - Part 1
From their East End beginnings, the Kray twins would go on to run one of the most powerful and feared criminal organisations in London. Their influence wouldn’t only be felt by the nightclubs and casinos of the capital but also some of the highest tiers of government. They were untouchable, and the Krays remain a much-remembered part of sixties culture like the celebrity icons that filled their establishments. This is the story of Reggie and Ronnie Kray… (Part 1 of 2).
Read moreBaker Street Robbery [TWAU Plus]
On the evening of Saturday, September 11, 1971, a robbery was taking place on Baker Street in London. Months of planning had finally come to fruition, and Anthony Gavin, Reginald Tucker and Thomas Stephens were just hours away from getting the score of a lifetime. There was, however, one big problem. They were stuck in a tunnel they could barely fit through, and now they were struggling to breathe as it was filling with toxic fumes…
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