Breaking Through the Wall with a Specialized Drill
95% of the Bank's Safe Deposit Boxes Damaged
A large-scale theft occurred at a savings bank vault in western Germany, where thousands of private safety deposit boxes were broken into.
A large-scale theft occurred at a savings bank vault in western Germany, where thousands of private safes were broken into. Photo by Getty Images
According to dpa news agency and other sources on December 30 (local time), robbers broke into the vault of a savings bank in the small western city of Gelsenkirchen, destroyed more than 3,200 private safety deposit boxes, and stole approximately 30 million euros (about 50.1 billion won) in cash and valuables before fleeing the scene.
According to the police, a special drill, rather than ordinary tools, was used in the break-in. A police spokesperson stated, "This drill is equipment that cannot be obtained at a regular hardware store." The robbers are believed to have started in the bank's records storage room, drilled through the wall, and then entered the actual vault.
The break-in was discovered the previous morning when a fire alarm went off. However, the exact timing of the crime and how long the robbers stayed inside the building have not been confirmed.
The bank explained that 95% of the private safety deposit boxes entrusted by customers were damaged and that a dedicated inquiry desk is being operated for affected customers.
dpa reported, "This incident has affected more than 2,500 people and may be one of the worst bank robberies in modern German history."
After news of the incident spread, dozens of customers visited the bank, and the police controlled access to the bank to prevent confusion. A police officer explained, "The bank plans to proactively contact customers within the next few days."
According to the investigation, the suspects are believed to have entered the building through the parking lot. Police are investigating based on witness statements that several men carrying large bags were seen in a nearby parking lot between the night of the 28th and the early morning of the 29th.
CCTV footage captured a black car with masked occupants leaving the parking lot in the early morning of the 29th. The license plate on this vehicle was reportedly stolen in Hanover, Germany.
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