The Dirty Dozen: The real story of the rise and fall of London's most feared armed robbery gang

by Noel 'Razor' Smith

THE TRUE STORY OF LONDON'S MOST PROLIFIC ARMED ROBBERY GANGThe average bank robbery takes around four minutes. The essential ingredients are ruthlessness, cunning and plenty of bottle. You'll also need a weapon, a disguise and a getaway car. If you have all those things, then you could go to work right now. The Bradish boys had all these things and, boy, did they go to work.The 'Dirty Dozen' were a ruthless federation of criminals who ran the armed robbery game in London for over a decade.When charismatic leader 'Gentleman' Jim Doyle was jailed, the innovative but violent Bradish brothers, Sean and Vincent, stepped up to take the throne. Hardened by a life in London's most lawless corners, they recruited a tight-knit crew to forge a reputation as the brutal kings of their underworld trade.Banks, security vans, post offices, travel agents - anywhere was fair game and nowhere was safe. With endless money at their disposal, the gang spent freely on cars, drugs and decadence. Life was good.But with the Met's tough-as-nails Flying Squad hot on their heels, a member of the inner circle cracked under the pressure and turned grass - and so began the thrilling chase-down of the Bradish boys and their illicit empire. The Dirty Dozen is the real story of the rise and fall of London's most feared crime syndicate.

Genres: Audiobook, True Crime, Nonfiction, Biography, Crime

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2020

Reviews

[Michael Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite interesting, a lot of this took place in my local area

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. I found this a tough read. A mix of names, dates, imagined conversations and untidy in its presentation.

I had heard a podcast with Razor and really enjoyed it. I imagine because it was more about him and who he was.

I would read a book like that about him but would not recommend this book.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight in the crimes of the era, the highs and the inevitable lows. A healthy amount of embellishment to make the story feel like fiction.

[Garry Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a clear uncomplicated account of how armed robbers operated in the 1980s and 1990s in London and how the police dealt with them in turn this is the book for you. the fact the author is a reformed ex robber himself no doubt adds to the insights given and the access to certain information included.

At one level it almost reads as manual on armed robbery and has a degree of respect for the individuals involved, however, there is no romanticism involved, individuals flaws are not hidden and the disadvantages and likely outcome of the criminal life described is covered in detail.

If like me you find the whole area of professional criminality of interest this a book well worth reading. I highly recommend it.

[Matthew Eyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standard "Diamond Geezer" true crime story a la Bernard O'Mahoney, Mark Brandon Read et al. Two vicious thugs are jailed and their ruthless armed robber firm are replaced by er two vicious thugs. We learn that such fellows are the creme de la creme in prison, looked up to and deferred to. The one thing such books never address is the effect their terrifying entrance into an ordinary person's life during an armed robbery has, for what is- lets face it- nothing more than avoiding making a living legally. Still pick them up off the shelf though....

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: Enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator Karl Jenkinson was perfect for it. I feel like the narration made the book. It was interesting hearing about the Bradish brothers and the dirty dozen gang. Especially because the brothers were from near the same part of London as me. The crime history dating back years was interesting too. A good listen

[mr s fitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inconsistent

Decent read but contradicts itself in places, they either were meticulous in planning these jobs and were always alert to the flying squad being around, or just off the cuff rob a cash in transit? Which is it.

[Mark Clarkson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read and some insights on how some people find themselves on the wrong side of the law just because they are on or below the poverty line, through no fault of their own othrr than where they were born and lived

[Robert Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read from noel This is one author who writes with knowledge no sugar coating and an insiders perspective. His other books are also highly recommended

[Matt Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. Razor is a top man and has a big future ahead as an author. Look our for more from him in the future.

[Stephen Tubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look "behind the scenes" at a small segment of the London underworld by someone who would know.

[Kevin O Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent

[James E McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last bank robbers

It is a short but comprehensive review of the last bank robbers in London. (The banks don't hold any money anymore.)

These guys created mayhem for about five years. But you have to ask was it worth it? They all ended up in prison with double digit sentences. Life passed them by while they were sitting in cells.

The book tries to glamorize these guys but it fundamentally fails. Towards the end of the book, one begins to realize just how much these guys gave up in order to live a lifestyle of drink, cocaine and designer suits.