The scene at the Securitas base in Aberdeen following the audacious raid in which the culprits exited through the front doors after abseiling through the roof. Picture courtesy of Newsline Scotland.

Police study the wreckage of the burnt-out getaway cars abandoned near an Aberdeenshire church following the Securitas raid in Aberdeen. Picture courtesy of Newsline Scotland.

The British Linen Bank’s crest was a familiar feature on the High Street during the post-war years.

The Rob Roy Road House was the staging post for the gang who pulled off the raid on the Ibrox branch of the British Linen Bank.

This e-fit image was issued by police aiming to trace the gang who donned police uniform as their disguise during their attack on a cash delivery in Glasgow.

A Milner safe similar to this one was overcome by the cunning group of thieves responsible for the Shettleston raid.

This image is taken from the CCTV footage which captured the terrifying scene as two robbers ransacked the Rox store in Edinburgh.

These were among the items stolen from Rox.

Images of the haul from the attack on McTear’s were quickly circulated but none of the pieces has ever been recovered.

Andrew Walker (highlighted) was a serving member of the Army when he carried out his brutal and murderous plot. Picture courtesy of The Scotsman.

Police are pictured at the remote Flotterstone Cottage after the discovery of the victims of the Army payroll heist. Picture courtesy of The Scotsman).

The Glenuig Post Office was among the rural buildings viewed as easy targets by raiders who had travelled from England.

A Vauxhall Cavalier similar to this one was used by the gang which struck at ASDA’s store at The Jewel in Edinburgh.

British Linen Bank notes were eventually discovered stashed in Edinburgh after a messenger had been stabbed to death trying to protect his precious cargo.

Tweeddale Court in Edinburgh has a dark history as the scene of one of the country’s most notorious crimes.

Howard Wilson is led from court after being convicted of his heinous crime. Picture courtesy of The Herald.

The gun used by Howard Wilson. Picture courtesy of The Herald.

The Bowers brothers were responsible for a cold and calculating series of raids on both sides of the border.

Police outside Drumlanrig Castle after one of the most precious paintings in the estate’s collection had been stolen. Picture courtesy of The Herald.

Madonna of the Yarnwinder by Leonardo da Vinci became one of the world’s most wanted stolen artworks.

Black rhino horns such as these are among the antiquities which are sought after by underworld figures.

The Stone of Destiny in Westminster Abbey.

The police carrying the Stone of Destiny away from Arbroath Abbey, April 1951.