A bank in the western German city of Gelsenkirchen has been the target of a massive robbery, with thieves stealing an estimated €30 million by taking advantage of the Christmas holidays.
A police spokesperson described the theft as extremely professional, emphasizing that it required detailed planning, insider knowledge, and a high level of criminal determination.
According to police, the perpetrators entered the bank through an underground parking garage, drilling a large hole directly into the vault room. After carrying out the robbery, they escaped using the same route, taking the stolen items with them.
Media reports indicate that more than 3,000 safety deposit boxes were forcibly opened, containing cash, jewelry, and gold. Based on an average insured value of approximately €10,000 per deposit box, authorities estimate total losses at around €30 million.
The robbery was discovered on Monday, after a fire alarm was triggered, prompting emergency services to be notified.
Eyewitnesses told police they saw several men carrying large bags on the stairs of the parking garage during the night into Sunday. Investigators have reviewed initial CCTV footage, which reportedly shows a black Audi RS6 exiting the garage early Monday morning, with masked occupants inside. Police confirmed that the vehicle’s license plate had previously been stolen in the northern German city of Hanover.
