Mustafa, a pizza maker from Gelsenkirchen, has fallen victim to a bank robbery for the second time. This recent incident targeted his assets stored at the local Sparkasse bank in Buer. Although he had taken precautions, he now finds himself with empty hands.
Background of the Incident
Mustafa, who owns the Pizza Pic restaurant in downtown Gelsenkirchen, lost his and his wife’s retirement savings during the robbery. Their gold jewelry, accumulated over the years, was kept in a safe deposit box that was compromised during the break-in.
Financial Preparations and Insurance
Fortunately, Mustafa holds a home insurance policy, along with photographic evidence and purchase receipts for his valuables. He estimates that the loss exceeds €50,000. He hopes for compensation, although a meeting with his insurance advisor is not scheduled until Friday.
Previous Burglary Experience
This is not Mustafa’s first encounter with crime. In 2002, he experienced a similar break-in when he and his wife left their home unsecured, leading to the loss of all their cash and jewelry. Following that incident, they opted to use a safe deposit box to protect their valuables.
Community Reaction and Trust Issues
The recent theft has shaken the community’s trust in the bank. Many residents, including doctors, lawyers, and business owners, used the Sparkasse to store their valuables, and now they share Mustafa’s sentiments of doubt.
- “I have zero trust in the Sparkasse,” Mustafa declared, expressing his intention to close his account when the bank reopens.
- The robbery has garnered national attention, leaving many questioning the safety of their assets.
- Mustafa mentioned that his family had documented their belongings, alleviating some worry regarding potential losses.
Personal Impact and Widespread Concerns
The emotional toll on Mustafa’s wife has been significant. She spent two days in tears, haunted by memories of the previous theft. Mustafa conveyed her despair: “She has asked, ‘In what country are we living?’”
Mustafa reflects on the increased crime rates in Gelsenkirchen over recent years, contrasting the current environment with the welcoming atmosphere he encountered when he moved there 33 years ago. The community, once vibrant, now feels overshadowed by insecurity.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Mustafa extends his sympathy to others who suffered greater losses during this heist. The pizza maker and his community now grapple with the aftermath, including a significant loss of trust in local financial institutions.
