Major Bank Heist in Gelsenkirchen: €30 Million Stolen

Over the weekend, a significant theft occurred at a bank in Gelsenkirchen, a city of approximately 270,000 residents in northwest Germany. On Tuesday, police estimated the value of the stolen goods at around 30 million euros. The thieves applied a clever tactic to access the bank's archives and the vault, breaching the premises through an adjacent parking lot by creating a large hole, from which they ultimately escaped. Authorities revealed that the thieves managed to force open about 3,000 safety deposit boxes situated in the vault, which contained a variety of valuables, including jewelry, cash, and gold. A spokesperson for the bank, which is a branch of Sparkasse, indicated that each safety deposit box has an average insurance value of roughly 10,300 euros, leading to the police's valuation of the total loss. The exact timing of the theft remains uncertain, as it was discovered on Monday after a security alarm was triggered. Witnesses interviewed by police mentioned having seen several individuals carrying large bags on the stairway of the parking lot during the night between Saturday and Sunday. Initial surveillance footage also captured a black Audi RS 6 leaving the vicinity early Monday morning, raising further questions about the perpetrators' identities. As news of the massive heist spread, the bank branch was promptly closed to the public. However, dozens of concerned customers arrived at the scene soon after the news broke to protest and seek information about their losses. Some customers reported that their losses far exceed the insured amounts pledged by the bank. In response to these concerns, the bank has stated it is in communication with its insurance company to determine the most efficient approach to handle the claims made by affected clients. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2