Investigators are working diligently to unravel the details of a sophisticated burglary that took place in Gelsenkirchen, where thieves managed to drill into a secure vault area and access thousands of safe-deposit boxes. The police have reported that this meticulously planned operation led to an estimated €30 million in stolen items.
According to police, the break-in required a level of professionalism and advanced preparation, indicating that the culprits likely had insider information about the bank’s layout and security measures. The burglars gained entry through a parking garage, where they drilled a substantial hole into the vault room, later exiting through the same route laden with stolen items.
The extent of the crime is alarming: over 3,000 safe-deposit boxes were forcibly opened, with contents including cash, jewelry, and gold. Based on the estimated insured value of approximately €10,000 per box, initial assessments suggest total losses could reach around €30 million.
The robbery was uncovered on a Monday when a fire alarm went off, prompting emergency services to respond. In the aftermath, police secured the area as customers expressed their frustration and concern. Witnesses reported seeing several men hauling large bags in the stairwell of the parking garage during the early hours of Sunday. Surveillance footage shows a black Audi RS 6 leaving the scene shortly after the heist, with its license plate traced back to a prior theft in Hanover.
Customers affected by the burglary gathered outside the Sparkasse branch in search of answers, with many reporting that their losses significantly exceeded the insured values of their safe-deposit boxes. Notably, a large number of victims were revealed to have Turkish heritage, with many storing gold or related valuables in the bank.
In response to the robbery, police have instructed customers to directly reach out to the bank for assistance rather than filing individual reports. The Sparkasse bank is actively collecting personal information and damage reports from victims, assisting investigators in their ongoing inquiries.
While the incident is certainly distressing, the community has shown resilience, coming together to support those affected. As investigation efforts continue, there is hope that authorities will identify the perpetrators and ensure justice for the victims.