Police Investigate Multiple Leads After Multi-Million Euro Safe Deposit Heist in Gelsenkirchen

Authorities are continuing their investigation into a highly sophisticated burglary at a savings bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, which resulted in the theft of valuables from thousands of safe deposit boxes. According to police sources, numerous tips have been received from the public, and several video recordings from a nearby parking facility are under close examination as part of the ongoing probe.

Surveillance footage captured masked individuals and two vehicles believed to be involved in the crime. The recordings reveal a high-powered black car and a white van, both of which may have been used by the perpetrators during the operation. In one segment, a masked person is seen lifting a parking barrier, while another stands near a ticket machine. These videos, now circulating among affected individuals, have been officially incorporated into the investigation.

The police have urged members of the public to refrain from sharing potential evidence on social media and instead to contact investigators directly. This measure is intended to preserve the integrity of the inquiry and prevent the spread of unverified or sensitive information.

Initial findings indicate that the break-in occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, when emergency services responded to an alarm activated by the building's fire detection system. The burglars reportedly gained access to the bank by passing through several doors from an adjacent parking structure, eventually entering an archive room. Equipped with specialized drilling tools, they then breached the vault, targeting almost all of the approximately 3,250 customer safe deposit boxes housed within the facility.

Witnesses reported observing several men carrying large bags in the stairwell of the parking garage on the night between Saturday and Sunday, suggesting the operation may have involved multiple preparatory stages. The vehicles used in the crime included a black car with license plates reported stolen from Hanover, further complicating efforts to trace the suspects.

Police officials have described the perpetrators as highly skilled, noting the methodical approach taken to bypass security systems and the use of advanced equipment. The scale of the theft is considered one of the largest of its kind in recent German history, with preliminary estimates suggesting the value of stolen goods could exceed 30 million euros. The number of victims is believed to surpass 2,500, as nearly all safe deposit boxes were compromised during the incident.

Authorities are now working in cooperation with insurance providers to determine the exact extent of the losses, which may ultimately surpass initial projections. The case has drawn significant public attention, with law enforcement agencies devoting substantial resources to the search for those responsible. Investigators continue to analyze video evidence and follow up on all leads in the hope of identifying the culprits and recovering the stolen property.

The police have reiterated their appeal for witnesses to come forward with any relevant information, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in resolving this complex case.