Sparkasse Gelsenkirchen-Buer Director Addresses Security Concerns Following Massive Safe Deposit Box Burglary

Extensive Burglary at Gelsenkirchen Sparkasse Branch

A Sparkasse branch in Gelsenkirchen-Buer, located on Nienhofstraße, has been the target of a sophisticated burglary that resulted in the plundering of thousands of safe deposit boxes. The incident, which occurred between the Christmas holidays, came to light when an alarm was triggered on December 27, 2025, at 3:58 AM. Police and firefighters responding to a fire sensor activation discovered a significant breach in the bank's vault.

Perpetrators gained access to the premises via an adjacent parking garage, utilizing a specialized core drill to create a hole through a basement wall directly into the vault room. This method allowed the thieves to systematically break into approximately 3,000 to 3,250 safe deposit boxes, accounting for over 90% of the total. The estimated value of the stolen contents, initially reported around 30 million Euros, has since been suggested to potentially exceed 100 million Euros, marking it as one of Germany's largest heists.

Bank's Response and Security Scrutiny

In the wake of the extensive theft, the Sparkasse has addressed the concerns of affected customers and the public regarding its security protocols. The bank confirmed that each safe deposit box was insured for up to 10,300 Euros and advised customers to consult their home insurance policies for potential additional coverage. A hotline was established to provide information and support to the numerous affected clients.

However, the incident has brought the bank's security measures under scrutiny. Reports indicate that a steel rolling gate securing the underground parking garage was reportedly malfunctioning in the days leading up to the burglary, requiring manual operation. This has been described as a 'security gap as big as a barn door'. The precise planning and execution of the crime have led investigators to explore a possible 'insider background'.

Ongoing Investigation and Customer Impact

The police have launched a comprehensive investigation, establishing a special task force named 'BAO Bohrer' (Special Operations Unit 'Drill') to manage the complex case. Authorities conducted searches at the Sparkasse branch to secure data and customer information, clarifying that there is no suspicion directed at the Sparkasse or its employees. Despite this, the Sparkasse initially delayed the release of certain data, citing data protection regulations, which reportedly complicated the early stages of the investigation.

The burglary has caused significant distress among customers, with many protesting outside the branch demanding information about their lost valuables. The perpetrators remain at large, though video footage has captured masked individuals in a black Audi RS6, which was later identified as stolen, and a white Mercedes van.