Major Heist in Gelsenkirchen: Millions Stolen from Bank Vault
Authorities in Gelsenkirchen are investigating a large-scale bank heist that has resulted in the loss of valuables estimated to be worth tens of millions of euros. The incident took place at a branch of a major savings bank, where unidentified perpetrators managed to break into the secure vault area and access thousands of private safe deposit boxes.
According to initial findings, the break-in was discovered early Monday morning when the bank's fire alarm system was triggered. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and police officers, arrived at the scene expecting a fire but instead uncovered extensive evidence of a sophisticated burglary. Upon further inspection, they found a sizable breach in the reinforced wall of the vault, indicating the use of heavy-duty equipment and meticulous planning.
Investigators revealed that the suspects had bypassed several security barriers, entering through multiple doors before reaching an archive room. From there, they used specialized drilling tools to penetrate the vault. The break-in reportedly affected over 95 percent of the 3,250 customer safe deposit boxes stored at the facility. While the exact value of the stolen items remains under investigation, preliminary estimates based on the insurance coverage suggest losses could reach approximately 30 million euros. However, authorities acknowledge that the actual figure could be substantially higher, as the contents of the safe deposit boxes are not fully documented by the bank.
The duration of the heist remains uncertain, but witness statements indicate that the operation may have spanned several days. Observers noted the presence of several individuals carrying large bags in the stairwell of a parking facility adjacent to the bank during the weekend. Security cameras later captured footage of a powerful black vehicle with stolen license plates leaving the premises early Monday morning. The individuals involved were seen wearing masks as they exited the area.
The aftermath of the incident has caused significant distress among the bank's clients. Large crowds gathered outside the affected branch, seeking information about their valuables and demanding answers. Security personnel and police were deployed to maintain order as tensions rose among those waiting in cold weather for updates. The bank has since provided limited information online and established a dedicated hotline for affected customers, while the vault area remains inaccessible due to structural damage from the break-in.
Officials are also reviewing the bank's response to a previous alarm that occurred on Saturday morning. Emergency services responded at that time but found no apparent signs of criminal activity. This earlier incident is now part of the ongoing investigation to determine whether the burglary could have been detected sooner.
Law enforcement authorities continue to analyze forensic evidence and review surveillance footage in an effort to identify the perpetrators. The scale and precision of the heist mark it as one of the most significant bank burglaries in recent German history, with potential implications for security protocols at financial institutions nationwide.