How I Rob Banks

Chapter 24What Do I Know about Diamonds?

Actually, more than I ever could have imagined while growing up in poverty. Little did I know then that I would perform diamond heists (legally) as part of my job—once I even got locked into a diamond warehouse by accident. Some of my most incredible anecdotes took place in areas I am not allowed to talk about. Although I can sometimes hint at certain aspects or omit parts for the sake of security, the unfortunate truth is that the best complete anecdotes will never see the light of day.

This chapter focuses on a specific security system at a nondescript building hidden in the heart of England. But before we begin, I need to give you a little background. Often, the people who hire us to do this type of work do not work on-site, which can lead to animosity. Some people view my work as an attack on their work, especially those in charge of security or who have security as part of their role. This is the opposite of what I am there to do (my aim is simply to improve security), but it is human nature to dislike what we perceive as a threat.

In this case, the head of security met me after I had already circumvented the building's initial perimeter—I greeted him in the reception area rather than waiting for him at the fence line. This had already put him in a bad mood, because he realized that his security might not be up to scratch. He was about to go from annoyed to furious.

During the security check-in, I was directed toward a capsule. ...