UPDATE: In a bizarre twist, a gang of robbers paid for their parking just moments after executing a stunning bank heist in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, stealing an estimated £30 million. The audacious crime unfolded during the Christmas holidays, affecting approximately 2,500 customers of the Sparkasse bank.
Surveillance footage has surfaced showing one masked thief, clad in a balaclava and grey jumper, calmly inserting coins into a parking meter before fleeing the scene. He even returned to ensure he paid the correct amount, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. In another clip, an accomplice is seen lifting the parking barrier for a getaway vehicle, a white Mercedes van, as they make their escape.
Authorities confirmed that the robbery, which remains under investigation, was reported only after a fire alarm was triggered early on Monday morning. By then, the criminals had long vanished. Investigators believe the breach occurred during the festive season, potentially over the previous weekend.
Upon arrival at the Sparkasse branch, emergency services discovered a massive hole drilled through the vault wall. The gang, suspected to consist of two or three individuals, gained access via a parking garage and maneuvered through multiple secured doors to reach the vault. Experts believe they used professional-grade equipment, including a 20kg industrial drill with a synthetic diamond-coated crown, managing to drill through an 18-inch reinforced concrete wall.
The operation likely spanned between two and four hours, during which the thieves emptied as many safe deposit boxes as possible. At the time of the heist, the vault contained around 3,300 safe deposit boxes, with an estimated 90 percent breached. Each box is insured for up to €10,300, putting the bank’s potential liability at approximately €33,990,000 (around £30 million).
A police spokesperson stated, “The videos are known and form part of the ongoing investigation,” emphasizing their significance in tracking the suspects. The clips were initially shared within a WhatsApp group created by victims of the robbery.
As part of their extensive investigation, police are analyzing similar footage and interviewing local residents. Witnesses reported seeing multiple individuals carrying large bags in the parking garage stairwell on Saturday night. However, authorities currently have no promising leads, and the perpetrators of this historic heist remain at large.
With the potential for this heist to rank among the largest bank robberies in German history, the implications for the affected customers are significant. Many are left wondering how such a brazen crime could go undetected for days, and the emotional impact on victims is palpable as they face the loss of their valuables.
As the investigation continues, updates are expected, and the public is urged to come forward with any information that might assist in capturing the culprits. This developing story captures the imagination and concern of many, as it raises questions about security measures in place at financial institutions.
Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding situation, and share this shocking story with others as authorities work to bring the suspects to justice.
