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€30 Million Vault Heist at Gelsenkirchen Sparkasse Leaves Thousands of Safe‑Deposit Holders Affected

Police probe a professional break-in via an adjacent parking area, with the branch coordinating with its insurer.

Overview

  • Investigators say roughly 3,000 safe‑deposit boxes were forced, affecting an estimated 2,500 to 2,700 customers.
  • The theft was discovered Monday after a fire alarm, with witnesses reporting men carrying large bags overnight and early footage showing a black Audi RS6 exiting the site.
  • Thieves drilled in from an adjoining parking area and navigated several doors and an archive to reach the vault.
  • Police put the loss at about €30 million, a figure informed by typical coverage of around €10,300 per box reported by a bank spokeswoman.
  • The branch remains closed to the public, customers are being directed to online channels for information, and police are analyzing vehicle movements and interviewing witnesses.