Thieves Use Drill to Steal €30m in German Bank Heist
In a thrilling act reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster, thieves executed a meticulously planned robbery at a bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, making off with an astonishing €30 million (£26 million; $35 million) in cash and valuables.
The Heist Details
– Location: Sparkasse savings bank, Gelsenkirchen, western Germany
– Method: Thieves employed a large drill to breach a safe, targeting over 3,000 safe deposit boxes brimming with money, gold, and jewelry.
– Timing: The robbery took place during the “quiet Christmas days,” allowing the criminals to operate without drawing much attention.
– Access Point: Investigators believe the thieves accessed the bank through an adjacent parking garage.
The Chain of Events
– Initial Discovery: Police were alerted to the incident after a fire alarm triggered in the early hours of Monday morning.
– Witness Accounts: Residents reported seeing multiple men carrying large bags in the parking garage stairwell overnight from Saturday into Sunday.
– Escape Vehicle: Surveillance footage captured a black Audi RS 6 departing from the garage on De-La-Chevallerie-Strasse early Monday.
Ongoing Investigation
– Current Status: As of now, no arrests have been made, and the culprits remain at large.
– Police Response: Officers have secured the bank’s entrance, noting the high volume of anxious customers seeking information.
Customer Impact
– Affected Clients: Sparkasse has informed that 95% of the safe deposit boxes were forcibly opened, greatly increasing the likelihood that many customers were affected by the theft.
– Insurance Coverage: Each box’s contents are insured up to €10,300, and customers are advised to verify any additional coverage through their home insurance.
In conclusion, the Gelsenkirchen bank heist is a stark reminder of how organized and bold criminal operations can be. Authorities continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to recover the stolen wealth and bring the perpetrators to justice. Customers impacted by the heist are encouraged to reach out to Sparkasse for support and further instructions.