Picture courtesy of Gelsenkirchen Police

Thieves have executed a daring heist, stealing an estimated €30 million (approximately 1.1 billion Thai baht) in cash and valuables from a bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Using a large drill, they accessed thousands of safe deposit boxes at the Sparkasse savings bank, prompting comparisons to the Hollywood heist film Ocean's Eleven. Police discovered the audacious crime early on Monday when a fire alarm triggered their intervention.

Police linked the robbery with the quiet Christmas period, speculating this timing allowed the thieves to operate unnoticed. They gained entry through a neighbouring parking garage, breaking into more than 3,000 deposit boxes inside the bank. Witness accounts describe several men carrying large bags from the garage, while security footage shows a black Audi RS 6 leaving the scene early on Monday, offering potential leads.

No arrests have been made in the robbery, and police are still looking for the culprits. The bank's message warns customers that 95% of the deposit boxes were breached, indicating a high likelihood of losses. Affected clients are being directed to a hotline for assistance, although initial coverage only insures up to €10,300 per box, urging customers to review their insurance policies for potential gaps, reported the BBC.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-31

 

 

 

And there goes my German friend's claim that German banks are the safest banks in the world.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

only insures up to €10,300 per box

What ?

Why have a safe at the bank if it only covers 10k ?

I can imagine what would have been in those boxes. Lots of unacountable stuff for sure! 🙈🙉🙊🧐

3 hours ago, webfact said:

prompting comparisons to the Hollywood heist film Ocean's Eleven.

More like a copy of the UK Hatton Garden heist....but easier...

1 hour ago, FlorC said:

What ?

Why have a safe at the bank if it only covers 10k ?

Because it is secret.

Most bankers, just like most insurance people are the mafia types, and crooks so when they get robbed there is going to be very little sympathy.

Sounds like “the bank Job” movie. 🤔

I certainly hope the owners of the safety boxes will report their losses to the German tax authorities!

Good on 'em! Helluva Xmas present and a Happy New Year!

Banks don't keep cash anymore, only safety deposit boxes.

9 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Good on 'em! Helluva Xmas present and a Happy New Year!

Banks don't keep cash anymore, only safety deposit boxes.

Lefties just love taking other peoples things for free .

I doubt that you would still support them , if it was your belongings that were stolen

11 hours ago, In Full Agreement said:

And there goes my German friend's claim that German banks are the safest banks in the world.

What makes him say that? I’m from Germany and I never thought of German banks being different in terms of safety to any banks of any western country….

8 hours ago, stevenl said:

Because it is secret.

Not any more I'd say.

21 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

Lefties just love taking other peoples things for free .

I doubt that you would still support them , if it was your belongings that were stolen

I prefer Bank of Sealy. You know where I live. That's in the mattress. I keep an arsenal under the bed. Standin' mah groun'

54 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I prefer Bank of Sealy. You know where I live. That's in the mattress. I keep an arsenal under the bed. Standin' mah groun'

So you support the thieves stealing other peoples money , but you would shoot them dead if they tried to steal your money ?