Burglars ransack safe-deposit boxes in German bank heist
Deutsche Welle
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Burglars carried out a daring heist at a bank in Stuhr, Lower Saxony, Germany, ransacking several safe-deposit boxes. Police reported that the break-in occurred between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. local time and involved three men in blue overalls seen near a car outside the bank. The incident is notable for its timing and execution, as well as the discovery of an unknown liquid on the doors of the bank, which emergency workers deemed non-hazardous but which still caused discomfort among employees.
The bank had 728 safe-deposit boxes, with only 14 breached during the heist. Witnesses reported hearing loud noises from the basement, where a pungent smell was detected after the break-in. Two bank employees were treated for nausea and dizziness following their exposure to the mysterious substance. While police have not identified the perpetrators or determined what was stolen, they are investigating potential links to a similar heist in Gelsenkirchen earlier this year, which yielded €30 million.
This heist highlights the growing trend of targeted attacks on financial institutions in Germany. The use of unknown substances and the precise timing of the break-in suggest a well-planned operation, possibly involving individuals with prior experience in such crimes. The discovery of the unknown liquid adds an intriguing layer to the case, raising questions about its purpose and whether it was used as a distraction or to facilitate the burglary.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of financial institutions to sophisticated criminal activities, even in seemingly secure locations like Germany. As authorities work to identify the culprits and recover any stolen items, the case serves as a reminder of the need for improved security measures in banking facilities worldwide.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/15/2026