Massive Heist at German Bank During Christmas Holidays

In an audacious move, a group of thieves executed a highly organized break-in at a savings bank in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany, over the Christmas holidays, making off with an estimated stash of cash, gold, and jewelry valued between €10 million and €90 million (approximately $11.7 million to $105.7 million). This incident might be ranked among the largest robberies in German history.

The Bold Break-In

Authorities reported that the criminals utilized a powerful drill to penetrate a thick concrete wall at a Sparkasse bank branch. They accessed the underground vault through a nearby parking garage. Once inside, the robbers managed to open over 3,000 safe deposit boxes, indicating a meticulously planned operation.

Details of the Heist

According to police spokesperson Thomas Nowaczyk, the precise value of the stolen items remains uncertain, but estimates range significantly. The bank confirmed that more than 95% of the 3,250 customer safe deposit boxes had been compromised during this extended holiday period when the bank was closed.

The crime likely unfolded while the business was shut down for Christmas, leading investigators to believe that the gang may have stayed inside the premises undetected for several days.

The Discovery

The theft only became apparent early Monday when a fire alarm was triggered, prompting emergency responders to inspect the situation. They found a large hole that led directly into the vault, revealing the scope of the crime.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses recounted seeing several individuals carrying heavy bags in the parking garage during the night from Saturday to Sunday. Surveillance footage also captured a black Audi RS 6 leaving the garage early Monday morning, occupied by masked individuals. This vehicle was later linked to a stolen car reported in Hanover, situated over 200 kilometers (124 miles) away from Gelsenkirchen.

Comparisons to Hollywood Heists

A police representative likened the heist to a scene from the film Ocean’s Eleven, stating that the operation was executed with a level of professionalism that requires extensive planning and expertise. “A great deal of prior knowledge and/or a great deal of criminal energy must have been involved to plan and carry this out,” he noted.

Impact on Victims

On average, each deposit box held an insured value exceeding €10,000 ($11,700), but many victims have since informed the police that their belongings were worth significantly more. Hundreds of concerned customers gathered outside the bank on Tuesday to seek clarity, as the branch remained closed for security reasons following threats against staff.

One affected individual shared his distress, expressing frustration over the lack of information after using his box for 25 years to store retirement savings. Meanwhile, police maintained a presence at the scene to monitor the situation, noting that it had calmed considerably since the initial incident.

Bank’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

In response to the unfolding crisis, the bank has established a hotline for those affected and promised to communicate further details promptly. Frank Krallmann, the bank’s press representative, expressed their shock, reaffirming their commitment to supporting customers during this difficult time.

The suspects behind this brazen theft remain at large, and investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

Conclusion

The daring robbery at the Sparkasse bank serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that financial institutions can face, even during holiday downtime. With authorities working diligently to recover the stolen items and catch the culprits, the community eagerly awaits further developments.

• A gang of thieves executed a major bank heist in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, over Christmas.
• They drilled into a vault, compromising over 3,000 safe deposit boxes.
• The total value of stolen items is estimated to be between €10 million and €90 million.
• Bank officials have set up a hotline for affected customers and are investigating the crime jointly with the police.