In a daring heist that could rival a Hollywood blockbuster, unknown criminals executed a stunning robbery at a Sparkasse bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, during the quiet Christmas holiday weekend. The perpetrators used precision and sophisticated planning to drill through a thick concrete wall, accessing an underground vault and systematically breaking into over 3,000 safe deposit boxes.

Police described the operation as highly organized, drawing comparisons to the famous movie 'Ocean's Eleven' for its professional execution. Investigators believe the total value of stolen items could range between 10 and 90 million euros, potentially making this one of the largest bank robberies in German history.

The theft went undetected until early Monday morning when a fire alarm was triggered, revealing a massive hole in the bank's vault. Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags through the parking garage stairwell overnight, and security camera footage captured a black Audi RS 6 leaving the scene with masked individuals.

Thomas Nowaczyk, a police spokesperson, emphasized the complexity of the crime. 'A great deal of prior knowledge and criminal energy must have been involved to plan and carry this out,' he told reporters. The average insured value of each deposit box exceeded 10,000 euros, with some customers reporting contents worth significantly more.

The brazen robbery has left hundreds of customers distressed and demanding answers. One long-time customer told local media he had used the safe deposit box for 25 years and stored his retirement savings there, expressing deep concern about the breach. The bank branch remains closed, with staff reportedly receiving threats in the aftermath of the incident.

Sparkasse bank press spokesperson Frank Krallmann expressed shock at the event, stating, 'We are standing by our customers, and hope that the perpetrators will be caught.' The bank has established a hotline for affected customers and is working with insurers to determine compensation strategies.

As investigations continue, police are examining critical evidence, including the stolen Hanover license plate and security footage. The stolen vehicle, a black Audi RS 6, has become a key focus of the ongoing manhunt. Authorities remain committed to tracking down the sophisticated criminal gang responsible for this extraordinary Christmas holiday heist.

While the investigation is ongoing, the incident highlights the increasing sophistication of modern criminal operations and the potential vulnerabilities in banking security systems. Customers and law enforcement alike are left wondering how such an elaborate theft could occur during what should have been a peaceful holiday period.