GELSENKIRCHEN, December 31 (TNF): A meticulously planned bank heist has stunned Germany after thieves used heavy drilling equipment to break into a high-street bank vault and steal an estimated €30 million in cash and valuables, according to police.
The robbery took place at a Sparkasse savings bank branch in the western German city of Gelsenkirchen. Investigators said the criminals broke into the underground vault and forced open more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes containing cash, gold and jewelry.
Police described the operation as highly professional and carefully timed. A spokesperson compared the crime to scenes from the Hollywood heist movie Ocean’s Eleven, highlighting the precision and coordination involved. The comments were made to AFP news agency.
Authorities said they first became aware of the robbery when a fire alarm was triggered in the early hours of Monday morning. Emergency services responded and searched the building, where they discovered a large hole drilled into the vault area.
Investigators believe the thieves took advantage of the quiet Christmas period to carry out the crime without drawing attention. Police said the group likely entered and exited the building through an adjacent parking garage connected to the bank branch on Nienhofstrasse in the Buer district.
Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags inside the stairwell of the parking garage overnight between Saturday and Sunday. Police said security camera footage later showed a black Audi RS 6 leaving the garage early on Monday morning via De-La-Chevallerie-Strasse.
The perpetrators remain at large and no arrests have been made so far. Police have launched an extensive investigation and are reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Officers are also appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the suspects.
The scale of the theft has left customers shaken and angry. On Tuesday, police secured the entrance to the bank branch after a large number of affected customers gathered outside demanding answers. Many said they were frustrated by the lack of clear information in the immediate aftermath.
One customer told broadcaster Welt, as reported by Reuters, that he had been unable to sleep since learning of the break-in. He said the safe deposit box contained his savings for old age and that the uncertainty was deeply distressing.
Sparkasse confirmed that approximately 95 percent of the safe deposit boxes at the branch were forcibly opened. The bank said this meant the likelihood of customers being affected was very high. A hotline was set up to assist those seeking information about their accounts and valuables.
The bank also announced that the branch would remain closed on Tuesday following the incident. In a statement on its website, Sparkasse urged customers to contact the hotline and begin documenting any losses.
Under existing terms, the contents of each safe deposit box are insured up to €10,300. Sparkasse advised customers to check whether they have additional coverage through their personal home insurance policies, which may provide further compensation.
Police said the estimated €30 million figure includes both cash and high-value items such as gold and jewelry. Investigators stressed that the final amount could change as assessments continue and customers report missing items.
The case has drawn national attention and raised questions about the security of safe deposit boxes, particularly during holiday periods. German media have described the incident as one of the most significant bank heists in recent years.
Authorities said forensic teams are examining the scene for evidence, including tool marks and possible DNA traces. They are also tracking the suspected getaway vehicle and reviewing traffic camera footage from surrounding areas.
Despite the scale of the crime, police said there was no indication of violence or injuries. The focus remains on identifying the suspects and recovering the stolen property.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have said updates will be provided as new information emerges.
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