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What is the Gelsenkirchen Bank Heist?
The Gelsenkirchen bank heist was a sophisticated €30 million robbery that occurred during Christmas weekend 2025 at a Sparkasse savings bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Thieves used a large drill to breach the bank's underground vault from an adjacent parking garage, breaking open over 3,000 safe deposit boxes containing cash, gold, jewelry, and other valuables. The German police have now released new photographs showing the extensive damage and empty safe deposit boxes scattered throughout the vault area.
New Police Photos Reveal Extent of Damage
On February 10, 2026, German police released previously unseen photographs from the crime scene that reveal the shocking scale of destruction left by the professional thieves. The images show:
- Empty safe deposit box cassettes piled meters high throughout the vault
- All 3,000+ safe deposit boxes completely emptied and left open
- The large drill hole measuring approximately 50cm in diameter used for entry
- Forensic markers placed throughout the crime scene
- The vault space now cleaned up after extensive evidence collection
'The photos were taken on the morning the bank robbery was discovered,' explained police spokesperson Michael Schmidt. 'They show the professional nature of this operation and the systematic way the thieves emptied every single safe deposit box.'
How the Heist Was Executed
The thieves executed their plan with military precision between Christmas Eve and December 29, 2025. They gained access through an adjacent parking garage, drilled through a thick concrete wall using specialized equipment, and spent approximately four hours inside the vault undisturbed. Witnesses reported seeing masked men with large bags in the parking garage stairwell during the weekend, while surveillance footage captured a black Audi RS 6 and white Mercedes van leaving the scene.
Investigation Status and Victim Impact
As of February 2026, the investigation continues with 350 police officers assigned to 'Operation Drill' (Bohrer). Key investigation details include:
Investigation MetricCurrent Status Tips Received600+ tips from public Forensic Items ExaminedHundreds of thousands of objects Detailed Evidence Records50,000+ items cataloged Victims Interviewed1,200+ customers questioned Remaining InterviewsSeveral hundred planned 'For the success of a criminal prosecution, it is crucial that all affected customers are interviewed,' stated the Gelsenkirchen police department in their latest update. 'The forensic investigation is now largely complete, and all evidence has been secured in a safe location under police supervision.'
Victim Compensation and Insurance Issues
Approximately 2,700 customers were affected by the heist, with many reporting losses far exceeding the standard €10,300 insurance coverage per safe deposit box. Victims have expressed frustration with the insurance limitations, as many stored family heirlooms, retirement savings, and valuable jewelry that exceeded these limits. The bank has informed customers that 95% of safe deposit boxes were compromised during the robbery.
Why This Heist Stands Out
The Gelsenkirchen bank robbery represents one of the most sophisticated heists in recent German history for several reasons:
- Professional Execution: Police describe the operation as 'sensational well and intensively prepared,' comparing it to Hollywood films like Ocean's Eleven
- Strategic Timing: The Christmas weekend provided reduced security and fewer witnesses
- Technical Expertise: The thieves used specialized drilling equipment weighing approximately 300kg
- Scale of Theft: With estimates ranging from €10-90 million, this represents one of Germany's largest bank robberies
- Organized Crime Links: Investigators suspect involvement of professional criminal networks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the Gelsenkirchen bank robbery occur?
The heist occurred between December 24-29, 2025, during the Christmas holiday period when the bank had reduced security and staffing.
How much was stolen in the Gelsenkirchen heist?
Initial estimates place the stolen valuables at €30 million, though investigators believe the total could range between €10-90 million depending on the actual contents of the safe deposit boxes.
Have any arrests been made?
As of February 2026, no arrests have been made and the perpetrators remain at large despite over 600 tips received by police.
What insurance coverage do victims have?
Each safe deposit box is insured for up to €10,300, but many victims stored items exceeding this value. Customers are advised to review their individual insurance policies for specific coverage details.
When will victims get their remaining items back?
The police have not announced when the crime scene will be released or when victims can claim any remaining items. All evidence remains secured under police supervision.
Sources
Wikipedia: 2025 Gelsenkirchen Heist
BBC News: Gelsenkirchen Bank Heist
