Today in history february 22 what happened on this day 20250221 p5roij.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Today in History - February 22 | Robbers don't have enough room for all the cash they could steal

Nick Pearson
Nick Pearson

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The largest cash robbery in UK history took place on February 22, 2006.

A group of robbers kidnapped the manager of the Securitas depot and his family, before tricking their way into the Tonbridge building.

Attribution: Kent Police
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There, the armed thieves tied up the employees at the depot and attempted to load all the cash they could into a truck.

But the theft was delayed because the thieves could not operate the machinery used to move large pallets of cash.

Eventually a hostage had to operate a power lifter at gunpoint.

Attribution: Kent Police
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The robbers made off with £53 million in banknotes, equivalent to $176 million in today's money.

But they left behind another £154 million simply because they had no way to transport it.

Attribution: Kent Police
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Within days, the first of the robbers were arrested by police.

It did not take long before most of the suspects were caught.

Seven people were convicted over the crime, including several MMA fighters who had met at the gym.

Only about £20 million has been recovered, and two suspects remain at large.

Attribution: Kent Police
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Frank Winfield Woolworth opened his first store on February 22, 1879.

By buying in bulk from suppliers, Woolworth was able to undercut his competitors with cheaper prices in Utica, New York.

But his most novel procedure was by putting a price tag on all items.

Before that, shoppers expected to haggle prices for their purchases.

Attribution: Public Domain
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His Utica store was a failure, but his second store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania was a hit.

Woolworth became one of the largest retail chains in the world during the 20th century before going out of business.

Attribution: Public Domain
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Woolworths, the Australian supermarket, has no connection to the US Woolworth.

Its founders named their shop after the US chain after realising they had made no copyright or trademark claims in Australia.

Attribution: Woolworths
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