Many people have probably heard the saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” but did you also know that diamonds are a thief’s best friend?
In 2003 the police in Antwerp, Belgium awoke one morning to the information about a robbery taking place at The Antwerp Diamond Center. The thieves got away with $100 million worth of diamonds, gold and jewelry. And they did it without triggering any alarms!
The authorities were bewildered, this was one of the most secure places in one of the most secure cities in the world, but somehow the burglars managed to break in and get away.
The Antwerp Diamond Center’s vault was protected by TEN different layers of security:
The Door
1. Combination dial (0-99)
2. Keyed lock
3. Seismic sensor (built-in)
4. Locked steel grate
5. Magnetic sensor
6. External security camera
The Vault
7. Keypad for disarming sensors
8. Light sensor
9. Internal security camera
10. Heat/motion sensor (approximate location)
A notorious jewel thief, a Sicilian named Leonardo Notabartolo, was hired to do a job; to break into the vault. He spent 2 years recording and documenting the security of the bank and he disguised himself as a jewelry dealer to gain access to the impenetrable safe. On February 15th 2003 he and a team of accomplices broke into the subterranean chamber and looted it’s contents. The haul was never found, but Leonardo later got caught and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
This sounds like a Hollywood movie doesn’t it? But it is completely true. During Leonardo’s two years of recon, he figured out that ALL ten of the security measures all had a tiny flaw each, making it possible to actually rob the vault.
Why did they go for diamonds? Well, you see, diamonds are a lot easier to transport then let’s say gold or money. You can walk through airport security without raising any alarms since diamonds aren’t affected by the normal security protocols that exist.
Can you imagine spending two years planning a heist? The dedication to the mission?
Imagining decrypting files, corrupting video surveillance, turning off different types of alarm, bypassing security measurements...
Can you imagine it? We sure can!
We created an escape room that really puts you into this type of scenario. To make you feel like you are actually robbing a bank! And we, of course, stocked the safe with diamonds. They are a thief’s best friend after all.
Our escape room, Mastermind, is probably our most unique game yet. It’s unlike anything we’ve created before with so many technical security systems you have to disable before being able to reach the diamonds.
Will you and your team of accomplices have what it takes to make it all the way and, like Leonardo Notarbartolo, make off with a safe full of jewels?
Sources:
https://www.wired.com/2009/03/ff-diamonds-2/
Audible Original - Heist Series Ep. 1
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