Is the Mickey Gooch a Myth?

Do you know who Mickey Gooch is or if he even exists? How about his friends Basil Boot, Barney Boddle, and Soapy Sam?
I know, I know—these names sound like they belong to characters in a British children's book. But I assure you, they are real people. Or at least they were, according to popular legend.
Mickey Gooch was born in 1836 in London, England. He was a chimney sweep, and a bit of a rogue. He was also a master of disguise, and he used this skill to pull off some daring heists.
One of Mickey's most famous heists was the robbery of the Bank of England. He disguised himself as a chimney sweep and climbed down the chimney into the bank's vault. Once inside, he stole a large sum of money and escaped without being caught.
Mickey Gooch was a notorious crook but also a folk hero. He was seen as a champion of the poor, and he often gave some of his stolen loot to those in need.
Mickey's friends Basil Boot, Barney Boddle, and Soapy Sam were also master criminals. They were known as the "Gooch Gang," and they were responsible for some of the most daring crimes in London's history.
The Gooch Gang was eventually caught and sent to prison. But their legend lives on. They are still remembered today as some of the most clever and daring criminals in British history.
So, do you believe that Mickey Gooch and his gang were real? Or are they just characters in a fairy tale?