Overview
- The branch in Buer stayed shut on Tuesday after crowds of roughly 200 anxious customers gathered, prompting police to clear the foyer and announce closure for the day.
- Police say intruders accessed the building via a parking garage, reached an archive room, and used industrial, water‑cooled drilling equipment to bore into the vault.
- The break‑in was discovered at 3:58 a.m. Monday when a fire alarm triggered, and investigators later found that many safe‑deposit boxes had been forced open.
- Unofficial estimates circulating in security circles cite about 3,200 boxes and roughly €30 million in loot, but authorities have not confirmed any totals.
- Sparkasse is coordinating with insurers and will contact affected box holders, noting a standard insurance cover of about €10,300 per box, while police report no hot lead and are reviewing vehicle and video data.