5 shocking British true crime anniversaries in 2026
2026 is a year of notable anniversaries for some of the most shocking and high-profile crimes in British history. From murder cases that continue to be unsolved 40 years later to the deadliest mass shooting the country has ever seen, join us at Crime+Investigation as we take a look at five cases we’ll be remembering this year.
40 years: The murder of Suzy Lamplugh? (1986)
It’s been 40 years since estate agent Suzy Lamplugh went missing and left the nation wondering about ‘Mr Kipper’. In 1986, Suzy Lamplugh disappeared after meeting a potential buyer only known as 'Mr Kipper'. The estate agent’s car was later found in London, but tragically she was never seen again. Despite decades of investigation, the Suzy Lamplugh case is still unsolved, and the mysterious suspect remains a chilling figure in Britain’s collection of cold cases.
Even after four decades, investigators have revisited suspects and leads to no avail. This case is brimming with unanswered questions, grief and frustration for Suzy Lamplugh’s whereabouts.
30 years: The Dunblane massacre (1996)
The Dunblane massacre is a day that will haunt the UK for many more years to come. 13th March 1996, marked the day when Thomas Hamilton entered Dunblane Primary School in Scotland and killed 16 children and their teacher before taking his own life. It remains the deadliest school shooting in British history.
2026 is the 30th anniversary of the Dunblane massacre, and the event continues to resonate because of how it transformed British society. Far beyond the local grief in Dunblane, the massacre helped prompt sweeping changes in gun laws. The Snowdrop Campaign, born from the collective shock and sorrow of parents and communities, led to a ban on most private handgun ownership across Great Britain. That legislative legacy is why Dunblane’s impact extends far beyond its original tragedy.
20 years: Securitas depot robbery (2006)
It has been 20 years since the famous Securitas depot robbery in Tonbridge. The largest cash theft in British history, a gang of armed criminals kidnapped the depot manager and stole nearly £53 million.
This may sound like a fictional thriller you can stream on a Friday night, but in fact, it was a meticulously planned heist that sent shockwaves throughout the country.
Although it’s been two decades since the robbery, the crime still fascinates because of its scale and the amount of money that was stolen. The case exposed vulnerabilities in security system and highlighted how organised crime could execute complex operations without capture. This theft still continues to feature today on crime documentaries and police studies.
10 years: The Jo Cox murder (2016)
It feels like it was only yesterday when we heard the news that MP Jo Cox was brutally shot and stabbed outside a library in West Yorkshire. But 2026 marks 10 years since the murder of the Labour MP. On the day of her killing, Cox was holding a surgery for her constituents. Tragically, she was ambushed and attacked by far-right extremist Thomas Mair, who was heard to have shouted, 'This is for Britain!' as he killed her.
Despite a rapid response by medical teams, her life couldn’t be saved. The mother of two died aged 41. Mair was arrested at the scene and later convicted of murder, receiving a whole life sentence.
A decade on, and Jo Cox’s murder remains one of the most shocking political crimes in modern British history. Unlike many cases that unfold behind closed doors, this happened in broad daylight in a quiet market town.
In her maiden speech as an MP, Jo Cox was famously quoted as saying, 'We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us'. Even now, a decade after her shocking death, the quote continues to resonate and reflect her life and work as a dedicated parliamentarian.
5 years: The murder of Sarah Everard (2021)
Who can believe 2026 marks five years since 33-year-old Sarah Everard was murdered? The devastating killing of Sarah continues to get the conversation started regarding women’s safety. Everard was kidnapped while walking home in South London by a serving police officer, Wayne Couzens, who was later convicted and given a whole life order.
Everard’s case resonated because it struck at the heart of ordinary life and how vulnerable it can feel. In 2026, many will still remember vigils, debates and campaigns that followed her death.
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