Overview
- The Sparkasse branch in Gelsenkirchen was accessed from an adjoining parking garage by drilling through a reinforced wall into the underground vault.
- More than 3,000 safe-deposit boxes were forced open, with initial losses estimated at roughly €30 million based on average insured values.
- A fire alarm led emergency services to the site early Monday, when a large breach and widespread damage inside the vault were discovered.
- CCTV shows a black Audi RS6 leaving the garage with masked occupants, using a licence plate reported stolen in Hanover, and witnesses saw men carrying large bags.
- The branch remains closed with a customer hotline in place as investigators pursue vehicle, CCTV and forensic leads, no arrests have been announced, and possible cross-border links or insider knowledge are being examined.