A "heist" refers to a carefully planned robbery or theft, typically involving a significant amount of money or valuable items. These crimes often require meticulous preparation, including gathering information about the target, creating escape plans, and sometimes even recruiting accomplices. Heists can take place in various settings, such as banks, jewelry stores, or art galleries, and are often depicted in movies and literature.
The term is commonly associated with organized crime, where groups work together to execute the theft. Famous heists, like the Great Train Robbery or the Louvre Heist, have captured public attention due to their audacity and complexity. Law enforcement agencies often invest considerable resources to prevent and investigate such crimes.