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Burglary drama in Gelsenkirchen: bank lockers in danger!
Break-in at the Sparkasse Gelsenkirchen: Several perpetrators broke into the vault. Police are investigating, looking for witnesses.
Burglary drama in Gelsenkirchen: bank lockers in danger!
On January 3, 2026, a spectacular break-in took place at Sparkasse Gelsenkirchen, which put the banks' security precautions in the spotlight. Loud WDR The masked perpetrators, wearing black balaclavas, had gained access to the vault, which indicates a well-organized crime. Police released surveillance images showing the alleged perpetrators as well as a suspicious black car and a white pickup truck that may have been used as getaway vehicles.
As early as January 4th, a former bank employee expressed serious concerns about the security precautions in the branch in “Bild am Sonntag”. In particular, there was a lack of adequate video surveillance in the basement and there appeared to be no motion detectors in the vault. These deficiencies could have serious consequences for the security of customer assets and raise questions about banks' accountability.
Damage and consequences
The break-in has serious consequences for the affected customers, as numerous safe deposit boxes contained assets worth several hundred thousand euros. The police estimate the total damage to be in the mid double-digit million range, which is considerable for the savings bank. In the event of theft, customers are usually entitled to a maximum refund of 10,300 euros, unless they have additional insurance. Here, customers are required to proactively document the contents of their lockers and ensure that they are appropriately secured daily news points out.
What is particularly striking is that break-ins into bank lockers are rare, but cannot be ruled out. A recent incident in Lübeck with damage of over 10 million euros shows how serious this issue is. Banks are required by law to effectively secure their vaults. Failure to do so could result in the bank being liable for the entire loss. However, proving negligence is often complicated and can result in lengthy legal proceedings.
Customers urged to exercise caution
Customers who rent lockers should be aware that annual rents vary and can range between 35 and 120 euros depending on the provider. Insurance coverage also varies; While some banks do not offer basic insurance coverage, others are willing to cover up to 40,000 euros. Specialist lawyer Guido Lenné recommends that customers secure the contents of their lockers well and look carefully at the rental agreement.
Further attention should be paid to documentation. Cash and other valuables should be accurately listed and declared to the insurance company, as failure to do so can cause problems in the event of a claim. If you seriously want to be on the safe side, you could also consider having your own safe, although the high purchase costs and onerous household contents insurance should be taken into account.
The current situation shows that banks have a duty to take the protection of their customers seriously. A good hand in protecting your own assets is therefore essential - especially in view of the recent events in Gelsenkirchen.