The West German city of Gelsenkirchen was the scene of one of the biggest banking crimes in modern German history. During the Christmas holidays, unknown perpetrators broke into the vault of a Sparkasse savings bank branch and stole valuables estimated to be worth approximately €30 million (roughly £27 million). The information was reported by the DPA news agency, citing criminal police investigators.
According to German police, it was an extremely well-planned and professionally executed operation, as reported by the public broadcaster Deutsche Welle. The perpetrators probably entered the building via the neighbouring car park, from where they gradually made their way to the bank's vault. Using powerful drilling equipment, they broke through a thick concrete wall and entered the underground vault.
Detectives believe that the thieves had plenty of time at the scene, perhaps hours or even days, and proceeded systematically. According to information from The Local, more than 3,000 safety deposit boxes belonging to several thousand bank customers were burgled. Not only cash was stolen, but also gold, jewellery and other valuables, the exact value of which varies significantly from owner to owner.
German media outlets point out that the figure of €30 million is only a preliminary estimate based on the average value of the contents of a single mailbox. According to RTL, the final amount of damages may still change during the investigation, as the police are still gathering information from affected clients.
The break-in was not discovered until Monday morning, when the fire alarm was triggered in the building. Upon arrival, police officers discovered extensive damage to the safe and traces of drilling. According to CBS News, investigators are focusing on CCTV footage from the area around the bank, which shows a dark vehicle with masked individuals. The car is believed to have had stolen number plates.
The robbery caused strong emotions among the bank's customers. In the days that followed, dozens to hundreds of people gathered in front of the branch, demanding information about the fate of their savings. According to DPA, Sparkasse set up a special information line and confirmed that basic safety deposit box insurance has a limited limit, which could mean significant financial losses for some customers.
The police have not yet arrested any suspects, but they are treating the case as a priority. Investigators do not rule out the possibility that an organised international group with experience in similar crimes is behind the robbery. The investigation is ongoing, and the German authorities expect to release further details in the coming days.
gnews.cz - GH
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