Panic Spreads in Germany as Citizens Rush to Banks

Citizens across Germany have begun flocking to banks in panic following a major vault robbery at a Sparkasse branch in the city of Gelsenkirchen, in what is being described as one of the largest bank thefts in the country’s history.

Thieves broke through the outer wall of the Sparkasse branch and emptied 3,200 safety deposit boxes. The total value of the stolen cash and valuables is estimated to have reached up to €30 million, sending shockwaves particularly through migrant communities.

In the aftermath of the incident, many customers rushed to their banks amid fears over the safety of their assets. Those unable to prove the contents of their safety deposit boxes will be limited to the statutory insurance compensation cap of €10,300.

Following the Gelsenkirchen robbery, another incident was reported at a Sparkasse branch in Bonn, where 20 kilograms of gold were stolen, further intensifying public concern.

As a result, many customers are now withdrawing valuables from their safety deposit boxes and closing their accounts, citing growing distrust in the security of bank vaults in Germany.

Source: ARTI49