Thieves Drill into German Bank Vault, Steal Millions in Holiday Heist

Over the Christmas holidays, thieves executed a sophisticated heist at a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, making off with valuables estimated between €10 million and €90 million. The perpetrators drilled through a concrete wall from an adjacent parking garage to access the bank's underground vault, where they breached over 3,000 safe deposit boxes.

The crime was discovered early Monday morning when a fire alarm alerted authorities. Responders found a hole in the vault's wall and the deposit boxes ransacked. Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the parking garage stairwell over the weekend. Security footage showed a black Audi RS 6 with masked individuals leaving the garage early Monday; the vehicle's license plate had been reported stolen in Hanover.

Police spokesperson Thomas Nowaczyk described the break-in as "very professionally executed," noting that extensive planning and knowledge were likely involved. The bank stated that each safe deposit box is insured for up to €10,300, but many customers reported contents exceeding this value. On Tuesday, approximately 200 customers gathered outside the bank, demanding information about their valuables. The branch remained closed for security reasons following threats against staff.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are reviewing security footage and witness statements to identify the perpetrators.