Hatton Garden Heist Documentary Review: A Charismatic Villain's Tale
When a headline-grabbing crime occurs, and one of its charismatic perpetrators remains alive and willing to speak on camera, it inevitably demands a documentary. This truth is vividly illustrated in Hatton Garden: The Great Diamond Heist, a Channel 4 production that delves into what is described as the largest burglary in English legal history. The film centres on John "Kenny" Collins, the surviving ringleader, whose presence adds a layer of dark humour and brazen honesty to the retelling of this audacious 2015 crime.
The Heist and Its Unlikely Gang
The Hatton Garden heist, which took place over the Easter weekend in 2015, involved a gang of elderly criminals who executed a meticulously planned raid on a safe deposit vault in London's diamond district. The gang's members ranged in age from 54 to 76, a detail that captivated the press and public at the time. The oldest, Brian Reader, had a history linked to the infamous Brink's-Mat robbery, while the youngest, Michael Seed, was the technical expert who disabled the alarm system.
Collins, now in his seventies, serves as the documentary's star, providing firsthand accounts of the heist's execution. He describes the methods used, including accessing the building via a lift shaft, drilling through concrete walls, and employing a hydraulic ram to break into the safe deposit boxes. The loot was then hastily gathered into bin bags, with estimates of its value varying wildly due to poor record-keeping among jewellery dealers.
Collins' Charismatic and Contemptuous Narrative
Throughout the documentary, Collins oozes charisma, sharing his story with a mix of shrugs and grins. His contempt for accomplices who abandoned the job is palpable, as he exclaims, "He fucked off! He didn't fancy it! He just went! … Anyone with half a brain would go back." This disdain remains undimmed by the years, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the crime.
Collins also reflects on his capture with a touch of irony, blaming his dog for preventing his escape abroad. "If I hadn't had a fucking dog, I'd have fucked off abroad straight away! That was unfortunate!" he quips. Despite his criminal background, he shows a grudging respect for the police, particularly their identification of Seed through CCTV footage that captured his distinctive gait from an old car accident—a detail Collins admits he never noticed.
The Aftermath and Victims' Plight
While Collins dominates the narrative, the documentary briefly touches on the victims of the heist. Some, like Jigar Choksi, were fully insured and recovered, but others lost everything and faced financial ruin. Collins dismisses reports of unrecovered loot as "All bollocks!" claiming that authorities retrieved everything, though this assertion is met with skepticism given the chaotic aftermath.
The film contrasts Collins' cavalier attitude with the real-world consequences of the crime, though it primarily focuses on his perspective. This approach, while entertaining, raises questions about the ethical balance between glorifying villainy and acknowledging harm.
Comparison to Other Heist Documentaries
Hatton Garden: The Great Diamond Heist follows in the footsteps of other crime documentaries, such as Guy Ritchie's The Diamond Heist about the Millennium Dome Robbery. However, it distinguishes itself through Collins' unapologetic narration and the gang's unusual demographics. The documentary runs slightly longer than necessary, testing the patience of even the most dedicated true-crime enthusiasts, but Collins' charisma keeps it engaging.
In the end, Collins offers no remorse, stating, "I don't regret doing anything I done." This final note encapsulates the film's tone—a brazen sit-down with a super villain that fascinates as much as it unsettles. Hatton Garden: The Great Diamond Heist is available on Channel 4, offering a compelling, if flawed, glimpse into one of England's most notorious crimes.
