Heist in Gelsenkirchen Resembles Hollywood Thriller
A police officer has made a striking comparison between a recent bank robbery in Gelsenkirchen and a scene from a Hollywood film, specifically mentioning Ocean’s Eleven.
In an official statement, Gelsenkirchen police detailed that the break-in occurred at a savings bank in the Buel district. The unidentified thieves chose the quiet period of the Christmas holidays to launch their operation, using a large drill to break into the safe early Monday morning. They ransacked the contents and made their escape through the same entry point.
According to reports, the thieves managed to access over 3,000 safe deposit boxes, making off with an estimated $35 million in cash and valuables. A police representative characterized the heist as “very professionally executed,” evoking thoughts of Ocean’s Eleven again. The breach was uncovered after a fire alarm was triggered.
On Tuesday, additional information was released by police, which included a witness account. This witness reported seeing several men in a nearby parking structure carrying large items just hours before the robbery took place.
Security cameras captured a black Audi RS6 leaving the parking garage, with a masked individual inside. Notably, the vehicle’s license plate had been reported stolen in Hanover.
Authorities in Gelsenkirchen are encouraging anyone who suspects they may have been a victim of theft at the bank to contact the bank directly, which will relay information to the police.
Investigators believe the suspects may be Dutch, a theory derived from the type of vehicle seen in surveillance footage linked to prior ATM bombings associated with Dutch criminals.
A local newspaper has suggested that the total amount stolen could exceed the original estimate of $35 million, potentially marking this as one of the largest heists in German history. Reports indicate that more than 2,500 individuals were affected, given that each safe deposit box is insured for €10,300.
According to a police spokesperson, they are currently estimating losses in the mid-double digits of millions of euros.
