Daijiworld Media Network - Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen, Dec 31: In a daring, Hollywood-style crime, robbers carried out a massive heist at a Sparkasse savings bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany, during the extended Christmas break, escaping with cash, gold and jewellery estimated to be worth around 30 million euros.
According to police, the burglars drilled their way into the bank’s underground vault room from a nearby parking garage while the branch remained closed for the Christmas holidays. Germany observes widespread closures from the evening of December 24, a window the criminals are believed to have exploited to their advantage.
Investigators said the gang broke into nearly 3,000 safe deposit boxes, carting away valuables over several days. Witnesses reported seeing multiple men carrying large bags in the parking garage on Saturday and Sunday nights prior to the discovery of the crime.
Security camera footage reportedly captured a black Audi RS 6 exiting the parking garage early Monday morning, with masked individuals inside. The sophisticated theft came to light only after a fire alarm was triggered in the early hours of Monday, December 29, prompting emergency services to arrive at the scene.
The incident triggered panic and anger among customers, with hundreds gathering outside the bank on Tuesday seeking answers. The branch remained shut for security reasons after threats were allegedly made against bank staff. Several customers told police that the value of their stolen belongings exceeded the insured limits of their safe deposits.
A police spokesperson described the operation as “very professionally executed,” likening it to the famous heist film Ocean’s Eleven. Authorities said the situation in the area has since stabilised, though investigations are continuing.
Officials noted that each stolen safe deposit box had an average insured value of over 10,000 euros, pushing total losses close to 30 million euros. The bank has since set up a customer hotline and begun contacting affected account holders.
“We are shocked,” Sparkasse press spokesperson Frank Krallmann said, as one of Germany’s biggest bank heists in recent years continues to send ripples across the country.