"Loop Hole: Or How To Rob A Bank" by Robert Pollock (1930-2003)

Published: London: Hodder and Stoughton
Copyright: 1972.
ISBN: 0340162368

I've always been rather fascinated by stories dealing with crime. But not any old crime, I prefer ones that are well thought out, well plotted, and in which it is reasonably possible that the job could actually happen. Because of this things like murderers, etc. are of no interest to me, however heist fiction (which is actually a literary genre I found out) is very much in this category.

The story meets all my criteria, and is very entertaining as well. It involves the burglary of the City Savings Deposit Bank in London, which has a burglar proof vault, and a few million dollars inside it.

The team that is planning this caper is led by Mike, who has been in the business for many years and because of this his planning is meticulous. He knows that to rob this bank he needs professional assistance, so he hires himself an architect /engineer.

Robert Polak has crafted a wonderful story, that can be read numerous times and enjoyed. He got the idea for the novel, and I'm sure some of his material following some encounters he had with a paroled criminal who, he found out later was a rather famous British bank robber. It is interesting to note that this story influenced a group of real life criminals in Paris, France to attempt a robbery planned in the style. They came to be known as The Sewer Rats.

As it if you have read this blog in the past you will know that I have it very dim view of movies from Hollywood, as they rarely get it right. This movie however is an exception. The movie "Loophole" released in 1981, starring Albert Finney, and Martin Sheen was exceptional. It's true that the director John Quested changed a few things, but they were minor.

I would strongly recommend you read this book, and then watch the movie. It is not recommended however that you go and rob a bank, as the authorities do tend to frown on this. Then again, if you happen to do it, and get caught you have the opportunity of getting 3 square meals a day, free clothing, and a host of other amenities (some of which might not be so favourable).