Berlin | December 31, 2025
Hollywood-Style Heist Shocks Germany as Bank Vault Is Drilled Open
A dramatic, Hollywood-style bank robbery has stunned Germany after thieves carried out a highly sophisticated break-in at a Sparkasse savings bank branch in a western German city. Using heavy industrial drilling equipment, the gang breached the bank’s underground vault and broke into nearly 3,000 safe deposit boxes, escaping with valuables worth an estimated €30 million, according to police.
Investigators said the suspects drilled a tunnel from a nearby parking garage directly into the vault, allowing them access during the Christmas holiday period when banks were closed.
Witnesses Spot Suspicious Activity Over the Weekend
According to police statements, witnesses reported seeing multiple individuals carrying large bags during the nights of Saturday and Sunday. Security footage later captured a black Audi RS 6 exiting the parking garage early Monday morning, with several masked individuals inside the vehicle.
Authorities believe the suspects exploited the extended holiday closure, spending several hours over the weekend drilling their way into the vault.
Heist Discovered After Fire Alarm Triggered
The crime came to light on Monday morning, December 29, when a fire alarm went off at the bank branch, prompting emergency services to respond. Upon arrival, officials discovered the massive breach and evidence of widespread theft.
Following the incident, the bank immediately shut down the branch for security reasons and set up a hotline to assist affected customers.
“We are deeply shocked by this incident,” said Frank Kralmann, a spokesperson for Sparkasse, confirming that customers had been notified.
Hundreds of Customers Gather Outside the Bank
In the hours after the robbery was revealed, hundreds of customers gathered outside the bank, demanding information about their losses. Several customers said the value of items stored in their safe deposit boxes exceeded their insured limits.
Police said the average insured value of each compromised safe deposit box was over €10,000, leading investigators to estimate total losses at approximately €30 million.
Police Call It a Highly Professional Operation
German authorities described the robbery as extremely well-planned and professional, comparing it to scenes from the film Ocean’s Eleven. The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to analyze CCTV footage and forensic evidence.
In Germany, most banks and businesses close from the evening of December 24 through the Christmas holidays—an opportunity investigators believe the gang deliberately exploited.
