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Thieves Drill Into Gelsenkirchen Bank Vault in €30 Million Heist

Police describe a professionally executed holiday break-in that left thousands of safe-deposit boxes ransacked.

Overview

  • Investigators say the crew accessed the underground vault from an adjacent parking garage, boring a large hole through reinforced concrete.
  • More than 95% of about 3,250 safe-deposit boxes were forced open, with cash, gold and jewelry reported stolen.
  • Initial losses are estimated around €30 million based on insured values, though some customers reported holdings exceeding their coverage.
  • A fire alarm early Monday exposed the breach; the branch remains closed for security while Sparkasse runs a hotline and coordinates claims with insurers.
  • Suspects remain at large; CCTV shows a black Audi RS6 with stolen Hanover plates leaving the garage and witnesses reported men carrying large bags.