German Bank Heist Shocks Gelsenkirchen as Thieves Steal Millions in Vault Break-In

Thieves broke into a Sparkasse bank vault in Gelsenkirchen early Monday and stole items worth tens of millions of euros. Police say the robbery happened before dawn on December 29, 2025. The vault was breached through a drilled hole in a basement wall.

The break-in affected about 2,700 customers who kept valuables in safety deposit boxes. Police confirmed the scale of the theft after a fire alarm brought officers and firefighters to the site.

German Bank Heist Investigation Expands as Police Seek Clues

Police say the heist may be worth between 10 and 90 million euros. This estimate came from investigators who reviewed the damaged vault and missing items. According to Reuters, German officials say it could be one of the largest heists in the country in years.

The Sparkasse branch stayed closed on Tuesday. Close to 200 people arrived and asked to enter the bank. Many wanted to check their safety boxes but were told to wait for police clearance.

Officers found a hole in the vault wall when they entered the bank before dawn. The fire alarm had been triggered shortly before 4 a.m. Police believe the thieves used a strong industrial drill to break through the basement wall. The vault inside showed signs of fast but organised work.

Witnesses told police they had seen several men with large bags in a nearby parking garage over the weekend. Police also reviewed video footage. The video shows masked people in a stolen vehicle early Monday. Officers are now checking more security cameras in the area.

Gelsenkirchen sits in western Germany about 192 kilometres northwest of Frankfurt. Police have asked residents in the area to report any strange sounds or sightings from the weekend.

How the Gelsenkirchen Bank Heist Impacts Customers and the Investigation

Police say the theft will take time to assess because many deposit boxes held jewellery, documents, and family valuables. Some may not have full records. This will slow the work for banks and investigators.

The Sparkasse branch said support teams will contact affected customers. Many customers fear the loss of items that may not be insured. Police say they will continue to search for the stolen goods.

The heist raises new questions about bank security during holiday periods. Experts say thieves often target banks when staffing is low and streets are quiet. Police are now reviewing whether similar crimes could happen elsewhere.

The case has gained national attention across Germany. Reporters say people in the region want quick answers and tighter security. Investigators say they are following several leads but have not confirmed suspects.

The German bank heist will likely stay in focus as police work to find the stolen property. The scale of the theft and the bold drilling method make the case one of the most serious security breaches in recent years. Investigators say the main keyword in public concern remains the massive bank heist itself.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: What was stolen in the German bank heist?

Thieves stole items from safety deposit boxes at the Sparkasse bank. Police say the value could reach tens of millions of euros. Many customers lost jewellery and documents.

Q2: How did the thieves enter the vault?

Police say the group drilled a hole through the basement wall. They used a large industrial drill. The vault was then ransacked.

Q3: How many customers were affected?

About 2,700 customers were impacted. Many came to the bank the next day. They were not allowed to enter because of the investigation.

Q4: What evidence do police have?

Police have security video from a parking garage. The video shows masked people inside a stolen car. Witnesses also reported seeing men with large bags.

Q5: Why did the heist happen during the holidays?

Police say thieves often strike during holiday lulls. Staff numbers are lower and streets are quiet. This gives criminals more time to work.