How I Rob Banks

Chapter 58Double Trouble

Rarely in my job do I come close to simulating criminal behavior. Obviously, I break into places, remove items, etc. However, there are things criminals are known to do that I will never replicate. One of those is violence. Violence against anyone is unacceptable, nor can it be accepted by any contract—never allow a client to railroad you into breaking the law.

With that said, sometimes you can simulate things like violence without performing them. I worked with a client many years ago that had security guards armed with batons and electric tasers. This posed a challenge because to physically overwhelm those people, a criminal would need greater force. This, unfortunately, would mean a firearm.

I would never even use a dummy firearm on a client site. How do you simulate the use of a firearm without having any analogue of one? The simple answer is a letter.

I want to focus on one particular well-guarded area of the site to show you how simulated violence can be implemented.

Imagine a large concrete building with a very large steel door that has a tiny armored window. Behind this steel door was a small L-shaped room. In that room were two armed guards, two seats, and a desk with a communication system to the outside door. On the opposite side of the room was a bright red steel door that looked like something from a sci-fi movie.

My tasks included gaining access to the room behind the red door. Getting into the first room would be challenging; and the ...