A brazen heist was carried out at a Sparkasse savings bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, over the Christmas holidays, resulting in an estimated loss of $35 million (approximately €30 million) in cash and personal valuables. The thieves breached the bank’s vault by drilling through a thick concrete wall, gaining access to over 3,000 safe deposit boxes, which were subsequently forced open. This affected approximately 2,700 customers, with 95% of the boxes being compromised.
The break-in is believed to have occurred between Saturday evening and Monday morning, with police discovering the scene after a fire alarm sounded at the bank shortly before 4:00 am on Monday. Investigators suspect that a specialized, industrial-grade drill was used in the operation, describing the heist as “professionally executed.” Witnesses reported seeing several individuals carrying large bags through a nearby parking garage over the weekend, while security footage captured a stolen black Audi RS 6 speeding away early Monday morning with masked occupants.
The vehicle, which was stolen from Hanover, approximately 200 kilometers away, has been confirmed as a key part of the getaway. Customers who arrived at the bank on Tuesday found it sealed off, with hundreds gathering to demand answers after Sparkasse confirmed the extent of the breach. The bank has stated that the contents of each deposit box are insured up to €10,300, suggesting a total loss of at least €30 million, according to local media. However, many customers are concerned that this will be insufficient to cover their losses and are scrambling to assess their additional insurance coverage.
The police estimate the damage to be “in the two-digit million range,” and the bank branch remains closed while the investigation continues. Authorities have yet to make any arrests, and the perpetrators remain at large. The incident has left many customers reeling, and the bank is working to provide support and guidance to those affected. As the investigation unfolds, the full extent of the losses and the circumstances surrounding the heist will become clearer. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures and the need for individuals to be vigilant in protecting their assets.