This is one of the biggest loot since the “heist of the century” by Toni Musulin in 2009. According to our information, five hooded and heavily armed men held up an armored van in Lyon (Rhône) this Friday morning. “The damage amounts to 9 million euros”, indicates the prosecution.
At around 9 a.m., in front of a building of the Banque de France located in the 7th arrondissement, the criminals threatened the couriers before having the Loomis company money transport van opened and bags filled with money stolen.
The regional daily Le Progrès specifies that the van, which was leaving the Banque de France, was blocked by two utilities located in front of and behind it. These individuals, after having set the van on fire, then fled in two cars which were also found set on fire.
No injuries
This robbery did not cause any injuries, according to the firefighters who intervened on the spot to extinguish the vehicle. The prosecution specifies that the investigation, opened by the head of theft with an organized gang weapon, was entrusted to the specialized interregional jurisdiction of Lyon, in charge of cases relating to serious crime, and to the judicial police.
VIDEO. An armored van robbed in Lyon, several million euros stolen
“What surprised us a little is that it is a daring attack, in the middle of the city,” said Michel Tresch, CEO of Loomis France. This robbery “reminds us that Loomis’ job is a risky job”. “The main thing is that the conveyors are safe and sound,” he added.
“Three colleagues are extremely shocked,” said Kader Bengueche, CGT Loomis delegate. Monday, they will be received by a psychologist of the company in order to “be able to absorb this moral shock”. The trade unionist also called for the opening of an internal investigation. The carriers follow “enough extensive training to escape ambush […] and there, what is particular, it is that they opened the door to the robbers ”.
Does the locking system fail?
According to two other employees having discussed with the carriers victims of the robbery – a woman and two men – and having requested anonymity, the system of locking the vehicle presented “regularly” failures.
