The Brinks Mat robbery is the stuff of criminal folklore and until recently was Britain's biggest and most spectacular heist. It gripped the nation, shook the world gold market, re-drew the criminal map and wrecked the lives of many of those involved.

On 26 November 1983, five armed robbers broke into the Brinks Mat warehouse near Heathrow. They were armed with guns and inside information, keys and a detailed knowledge of the security system. They were looking for cash, gold and any other valuables, and hoped to net a haul of around £1 million.

Ninety minutes later they drove away in a van weighed down with £26 million in solid gold bars. The haul was so enormous that when the news broke the markets reacted accordingly and the price of gold went up. The value of the gold in the gang’s possession rose by £1 million simply because they had stolen it.

Through drama-documentary, interviews and previously unseen original footage, this two-part special gives a unique account of the robbery and the gangland warfare it instigated. We follow the investigation and the resulting prosecutions and explore the fate of the Brinks Mat gold. Could you be wearing some of the haul?

Related Links:
- Discover how the police use Forensics to bring criminals to justice.
- Want to find out about more crimes that are a little more grisly? Visit the Crime Museum.