Thieves have taken advantage of the Christmas lull to perpetrate a significant heist at a German bank. They drilled into a vault at the Sparkasse bank located in Gelsenkirchen, leading to an estimated loss of at least 10 million euros in money and valuables.
Details of the Heist
The audacious theft occurred during the night of December 28, specifically when most German banks were closed for the holiday season. The perpetrators created a hole in a concrete wall, accessing several thousand safe deposit boxes. Police discovered the break-in after a fire alarm triggered early on Monday morning.
Customer Reactions
The incident has left many customers anxious and frustrated. Dozens gathered outside the bank to express their outrage, demanding entrance to retrieve their belongings. One long-time customer remarked he had stored his retirement savings in the deposit box for 25 years.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported seeing multiple men carrying large bags through the stairwell of an adjacent parking garage on the night of the burglary. There were also sightings of a black Audi RS 6 speeding away from the scene, which police later identified as having a stolen license plate from Hanover, over 200 kilometers away from Gelsenkirchen.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigation efforts are currently underway, with police seeking to identify the culprits. As they gather more evidence, the Gelsenkirchen Sparkasse bank remains closed pending the outcome of the inquiry. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to investigate this high-profile heist.
