A bank in Stuhr, near Bremen, was targeted by thieves who broke into safety deposit boxes on Friday. Police in Diepholz stated that the extent of the stolen goods is currently unknown and that, as of this evening, there are no leads on the perpetrators.
This incident follows a similar break-in in Gelsenkirchen in late December. In that case, burglars drilled into the Sparkasse bank’s vault and compromised over 3,000 safety deposit boxes, making off with gold, cash, and other valuables totaling millions of euros.
Employees Reported Illness
According to police, the Stuhr break-in occurred during the bank’s lunch break, with the perpetrators entering through a skylight into the basement. They proceeded to force open multiple doors to access the safety deposit boxes. The exact number of boxes affected remains unclear.
The break-in was discovered when bank employees began experiencing feelings of illness and nausea. This was traced to an unidentified liquid sprayed by the burglars, found on door handles among other surfaces. The nature of the substance and its purpose are currently unknown, according to a police spokesperson.
Colleagues immediately alerted emergency services after the employees reported feeling unwell, evacuating the building. The cause of the illness was later determined to be the sprayed liquid, the police spokesperson explained.
The local fire department responded and cordoned off the area around the bank. A specialized ABC unit—equipped to handle hazardous materials—was likewise deployed, as reported by the “Kreiszeitung” in Syke.
“They Couldn’t Have Had Much Time”
“The fire department found no elevated readings during the inspection of the premises while wearing protective gear,” police reported. Two bank employees were treated by paramedics but were not injured.
The bank branch is located on a busy street near Stuhr’s town hall. Authorities are investigating whether security cameras are in place both inside and outside the building. The number of perpetrators involved and their escape route are also currently unknown.
Police were told that the Stuhr branch is relatively small. The bank was closed for lunch at the time of the break-in and reopened in the afternoon. “The perpetrators couldn’t have had much time,” a police spokesperson stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Stuhr?
Thieves broke into a bank in Stuhr, near Bremen, and compromised safety deposit boxes. The amount of stolen goods is currently unknown.
Was anyone injured during the break-in?
Two bank employees were treated by paramedics after experiencing illness and nausea, but they were not injured.
What is the police doing about the incident?
Police are investigating the break-in, searching for leads, and determining the extent of the stolen goods. They are also investigating the use of an unknown liquid sprayed by the perpetrators.
As investigations continue, will banks re-evaluate security measures to protect customer assets and employee safety?
