World

Masked Robbers Use Helicopter To Rob Cash Depot In Stockholm

by Annina Bergman | September 23, 2009 at 11:09 am

1424 views | 22 Recommendations | 6 comments

Robbers with machine guns and explosives used a stolen helicopter to break into a dash depot in Stockholm, Sweden on Wednesday morning.

The robbers stole a BELL 206B helicopter, landed it on the roof of G4S Cash, and blasted their way into the building. They then loaded bags of cash into the helicopter and flew away. The cash depot is used to refill ATMs in Stockholm. The police do not want to disclose how much cash was stolen, but according to Svensk Handel, a Swedish business organisation, the robbery may cause a shortage of cash in Stockholm's ATMs.

A Swedish police officer who wanted to stay anonymous told Swedish news agency TT that he suspects the robbery was an insider job. Police are also saying the helicopter pilot was likely a professional pilot. Police were told not to fire at the helicopter, and could not follow it in police helicopters, as the robbers had placed a bag with suspected explosives in the police hangar. The explosives are currently being examined.

The abandoned helicopter was found in Rönninge, north of Stockholm. One person has been arrested in connection to the robbery.

Investigators said the robbers wore masks and were believed to have carried automatic weapons and used explosives during the 20-minute raid. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs during the heist.

"A substantial reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible and recovery of the stolen money," Alison Flynn, media relations manager for G4S, told CNN.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Sign In or Join to post comments

Spydermonkey

at 11:30 on September 23rd, 2009

Sounds like a well thought out robbery. But I doubt they are pro's

Professionals would not likely let off an alarm until they were gone. This sounds like a well planed "smash & grab"

Zlender

at 11:56 on September 23rd, 2009

This sounds more like a script for a new action movie. I'm surprised that such brute force method was successful.

Joe Progy (not verified)

at 15:48 on September 23rd, 2009

WOW. Impressive. Way to go to the people who can make that work out for them.

Melk (not verified)

at 02:46 on September 24th, 2009

They now believe that the robbers came over around 500 million swedish kronor.

Melk (not verified)

at 02:55 on September 24th, 2009

Which is approximately 75 million US dollars.

Zapp (not verified)

at 03:41 on September 24th, 2009

The loot is approximated at 45 million swedish kronor, not 500. 45 million in bills is about 100kg weight, which is what officials believe robbers had space for in that chopper with 4 persons and their kit onboard.