Robbers stole cash, gold, and jewellery worth 30 million euros from a German bank’s vault over the Christmas break. The thieves used a large drill to tunnel into the underground vault room of a Sparkasse branch in Gelsenkirchen. They smashed open more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes during the extended holiday.
How the Robbery Unfolded
Police believe the gang entered from an adjacent parking garage. German businesses were closed for Christmas on Thursday and Friday last week. Investigators suspect the robbers spent the holidays and weekend inside, methodically breaking into the boxes.
The heist was discovered early Monday when a fire alarm triggered. Emergency services found a large hole leading to the vault. The bank confirmed that over 95 per cent of the 3,250 customer safe deposit boxes were targeted by unknown perpetrators.
Customers Left in Distress
Hundreds of worried bank customers gathered outside the branch on Tuesday. They demanded information about their stolen valuables. The criminals remain at large as investigations continue.
Clues Left Behind
Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the parking garage stairwell from Saturday to Sunday night. Security cameras captured a black Audi RS 6 leaving early Monday morning. Masked individuals were visible inside the vehicle.
