Thieves in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, used a large drill to break into a Sparkasse savings bank branch and steal an estimated €30 million in cash and valuables over the Christmas holiday. Police discovered the crime early Monday morning after a fire alarm was triggered at the bank, located on Nienhofstrasse in the Buer district.
The perpetrators broke open more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes, making off with money, gold, and jewelry, according to Gelsenkirchen Police. A police spokesman, quoted by AFP news agency, described the heist as "very professionally executed," drawing comparisons to the Hollywood film "Ocean's Eleven."
Initial investigations indicate the thieves gained access to the bank, and subsequently escaped, through an adjacent parking garage. Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the staircase of the garage between Saturday and Sunday. The thieves appear to have exploited the "quiet Christmas days" to carry out the robbery, police said.
The method used by the thieves raises questions about bank security protocols and the potential for sophisticated tools to bypass traditional safeguards. The use of a large drill to penetrate a bank vault highlights the evolving nature of criminal tactics and the need for financial institutions to adapt their security measures accordingly. This incident underscores the importance of robust alarm systems and surveillance technology, as well as the need for regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators remain at large. Police are continuing their investigation, analyzing forensic evidence from the scene and reviewing security footage from the bank and surrounding area. They are also appealing to the public for any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the thieves.
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