Thieves executed a sophisticated heist in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on March 11, 2024, stealing property valued at tens of millions of euros from safety deposit boxes inside a bank vault. The operation, which took place during the holiday period, has raised concerns over security measures in financial institutions.
According to police and representatives from the Sparkasse Bank, approximately 2,700 customers were affected by the theft. Initial estimates of the value of the stolen goods range between €10 million and €90 million ($11.7 million to $105.7 million). The theft is being regarded as potentially one of the largest heists in Germany’s history, as reported by the German news agency dpa.
In the early hours of Monday, shortly before 04:00, a fire alarm prompted police and firefighters to respond to the bank branch. Upon arrival, they discovered a significant breach in the vault’s basement wall, indicating the use of a large drill. The interior of the vault had been ransacked, leading investigators to believe that the thieves had meticulously planned the operation.
Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in a nearby parking garage over the weekend. Video surveillance footage captured masked individuals entering a stolen vehicle early Monday morning, further complicating the investigation.
The Sparkasse Bank remained closed on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, as around 200 customers gathered, seeking access to their belongings. The bank’s management has not yet provided a timeline for when operations might resume.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by financial institutions in safeguarding customer assets. As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in identifying the culprits. The police are taking this matter seriously and are committed to resolving it swiftly.
Gelsenkirchen, located approximately 192 kilometers (119 miles) northwest of Frankfurt, is now at the center of a significant law enforcement effort aimed at addressing this high-profile crime. The local community is left in shock as the investigation unfolds, with many questioning the security protocols in place to protect their valuables.
