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How did the thieves break into the Gelsenkirchen bank?
The thieves gained entry by breaking into the bank's vault through a basement wall using a drill. Witnesses reported seeing masked men carrying large bags in a nearby parking garage, indicating careful planning and coordination. They used a stolen vehicle from Hanover to escape after the heist, showing premeditation.
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What are the details of the bank heist?
The heist took place during the Christmas holiday period, targeting the bank's safe deposit area. Approximately 2,700 customers were affected, with losses estimated between 10 and 90 million euros. The suspects fled in a stolen vehicle, and the bank remains closed as police continue their investigation.
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Are there similar recent bank robberies in Europe?
Yes, Europe has seen several large-scale bank robberies in recent years, often involving sophisticated planning and tools. The Gelsenkirchen heist is considered one of Germany's largest in recent history, highlighting a trend of increasingly organized and well-planned bank crimes across the continent.
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What security measures failed in this heist?
The successful entry into the vault suggests that certain security measures, such as vault reinforcement or surveillance, were bypassed or insufficient. The use of a stolen vehicle and the timing during a holiday period also indicate that the thieves exploited vulnerabilities in the bank's security protocols.
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Could this happen to other banks?
While this specific heist was highly planned, it raises concerns about security across banks in Europe. Banks may need to review their safety measures, especially in vulnerable areas like vaults and parking garages, to prevent similar crimes in the future.
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What is the police doing about the Gelsenkirchen robbery?
Authorities are actively investigating the crime, analyzing CCTV footage, and searching for the suspects. They are also examining the stolen vehicle and other evidence to track down those responsible for this large-scale theft.