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The Dunbar Armored Robbery
TOTAL LOSS: $18.9 Million
American Guard Services presents…
The 6th Greatest Heist in History, a Lesson in Security
At American Guard Services, we recognize that history’s most infamous heists serve as valuable case studies in security vulnerabilities. The 1997 Dunbar Armored Robbery remains one of the most daring and lucrative heists in U.S. history, proving that insider threats can be just as dangerous as external breaches.
THE DUNBAR ARMORED ROBBERY: AN INSIDE JOB
In September 1997, a team of criminals executed the largest cash heist in U.S. history at the Dunbar Armored facility in Los Angeles. The mastermind behind the operation? Allen Pace, a former security inspector who used his intimate knowledge of the facility’s operations to orchestrate a nearly flawless heist. The criminals escaped with a staggering $18.9 million in cash—most of it in untraceable small bills.
A SECURITY WEAKNESS EXPLOITED
As a security inspector, Pace had unrestricted access to Dunbar’s armored facility. Over time, he studied the weaknesses in surveillance coverage, security shift schedules, and access points. His knowledge allowed him to exploit vulnerabilities that should have been fortified against internal threats.
THE EXECUTION: A MASTERFUL INSIDE JOB
On the night of the heist, Pace and his crew carefully executed their plan:
- Insider Access Using keys he had duplicated, Pace gained entry to the facility without raising alarms.
- Disabling Security He knew exactly which surveillance cameras to avoid or disable, ensuring that their movements went undetected.
- Control of the Facility The gang ambushed and restrained the guards, ensuring no interference during the heist.
- Pre-Planned Getaway Millions in cash were loaded into a waiting vehicle, and the criminals vanished without a trace.
- Delayed Investigation Due to the precision of the operation, law enforcement struggled to find immediate leads.
This heist was so well-executed that investigators took years to uncover the truth behind the crime.
SECURITY FAILURES THAT ENABLED THE HEIST
Despite meticulous planning, Pace and his crew eventually made a crucial mistake—spending marked bills too carelessly. This misstep led to an extensive investigation that ultimately resulted in their capture. The heist exposed key security failures, including:
- Inadequate Employee Monitoring No system was in place to detect suspicious behavior or internal threats.
- Poor Surveillance Management Predictable security patterns made it easy for an insider to bypass safeguards.
- Lack of Access Control Keys and entry permissions were not strictly controlled or monitored.
- Delayed Threat Detection The security breach was only discovered after the criminals had successfully escaped.
HOW AMERICAN GUARD SERVICES, Inc. PREVENTS SUCH INCIDENTS
At American Guard Services, we specialize in advanced security solutions that mitigate both external and internal threats. Our proactive approach ensures that your business is protected from insider threats, preventing breaches like the Dunbar Armored Robbery.
Key Security Solutions We Provide
- 24/7 Real-Time Surveillance American Guard Services, Inc. our cutting-edge security monitoring eliminates blind spots and detects suspicious activity before it escalates.
- Security Consulting & Investigations American Guard Services, Inc. implements behavioral analysis and background checks to identify potential insider threats.
- Predictive Threat Analysis American Guard Services, Inc. experts assess vulnerabilities to prevent potential security breaches before they occur.
- Enhanced Access The American Guard Services, Inc. ensure all entry points and critical areas are secured against unauthorized access.
- State-of-the-Art Training American Guard Services, Inc. security personnel are rigorously trained to recognize and respond to emerging security threats effectively.
THE LESSON: MITIGATE INSIDER THREATS WITH PROACTIVE SECURITY
The Dunbar Armored Robbery serves as a stark reminder that criminals can come from within. By investing in robust security measures and staying ahead of evolving threats, American Guard Services ensures that history’s greatest heists remain lessons—not repeated mistakes.
Protect your assets with industry-leading security. At American Guard Services, our business is your security.