In Germany’s federal state of North Rhine–Westphalia, a third burglary and raid targeting banks has occurred within the past few days. On January 2, local police reported that on December 30, four safe-deposit boxes were “neatly” forced open at a Sparkasse branch located near the railway station in the city of Halle.
Although the amount of damage has not yet been determined, police continue the investigation based on information provided by witnesses linked to the case. The routes and methods used by the perpetrators to access the vault remain unknown. Police are currently asking anyone who may be able to testify about the incident to come forward with information.
Earlier, the first incident occurred in Bonn on December 17. Gold and other valuables were stolen from the Sparkasse branch located on the central Friedensplatz square. Police suspect a 22-year-old former bank employee, but he was released due to a lack of grounds for detention.
On December 29, another theft was discovered at a Sparkasse bank in Gelsenkirchen. The bank’s security service has now determined that about 3,200 boxes were forced open. The criminals entered from the neighboring parking lot, breaking through a concrete wall. If confirmed, this incident could become one of the largest thefts in German history.
Police are currently working to identify the perpetrators, but so far there is no solid evidence. Risks related to identifying international criminals and their control, particularly over valuable assets in Germany, remain.
Following the latest bank thefts in Germany, questions about strengthening security measures nationwide are prompting more in-depth debate.
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