Authorities Hunt Christmas Thieves After Major Heist in Germany

The Heist Occurred During the Winter Holidays

Thieves successfully broke into a bank vault in Germany, stealing goods worth tens of millions of dollars, authorities reported. According to police, the burglars used a drilling machine to break through a thick concrete wall of a Sparkasse branch located in the city of Gelsenkirchen, situated in North Rhine-Westphalia.

This heist is considered one of the largest in the country's history. Over 95% of the 3,250 safety deposit boxes were broken into, and estimates suggest the total value of the stolen goods could range between 10 and 90 million euros.

Well-Organized Thieves

A police spokesperson compared the operation to a scene from Hollywood heist films, likening it to "Ocean's Eleven." The robbery was executed with a high level of professionalism, indicating that the thieves had significant prior knowledge.

At the scene, firefighters discovered a large hole in the vault wall, and it is believed that the thieves may have remained in the building for several days, taking advantage of the Christmas holiday to operate unnoticed.

Worried Customers

Tens of customers gathered outside the bank branch, demanding explanations, while the bank was closed for security reasons. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and the suspects are still being sought.

The bank announced that it has set up an emergency hotline for affected customers and will contact each person in writing. "We are shocked," stated a bank spokesperson.