Bank Robbery in Stuhr: Perpetrators Emptied Safe Deposit Boxes During Lunch Break

The incident took place on Friday, February 13, 2026, in broad daylight. The perpetrators exploited the lunch break at the Volksbank branch in the town of Stuhr. According to investigators, the criminals entered the building through a skylight shaft leading to the basement. There, after breaking through the security of several doors, they gained access to the safe deposit box room. The break-in was only discovered by employees returning from their break, who complained of sudden nausea and malaise, which may suggest the use of an unknown chemical substance during the operation. The institution of bank safe deposit boxes originates from the tradition of securely storing valuables in the temple treasuries of ancient Rome and Greece, and in its modern form developed with the establishment of large commercial banks in the 19th century.Emergency services and police from Diepholz secured the scene, and initial inspections revealed that exactly 14 safe deposit boxes had been opened. Witnesses testified that three men in overalls were seen near the bank, who drove away in a black car. Although the exact list of stolen items is unknown, it is assumed that valuables, jewelry, and cash were taken. The bank has activated a special helpline for affected customers, who express deep concern about their property. „This is an exceptionally difficult and stressful situation. I do not feel at ease about my savings now.” — Stephan Drettmann The case from Stuhr draws parallels to the high-profile break-in in Gelsenkirchen at the end of 2025, where criminals drilled a hole in the vault ceiling and looted over 3000 safe deposit boxes. In that case, losses were estimated in the millions of euros, and the crime scene was released by the prosecutor's office for bank use only in mid-February. Police are currently checking whether the two incidents may be organizationally linked, although the scale of the theft near Bremen appears smaller. The investigation focuses on analyzing surveillance footage and examining the mysterious liquid left in the basement.14 — safe deposit boxes were emptied by the burglarsTimeline of Events in Stuhr: February 13, noon — Start of the Break-in; February 13, afternoon — Discovery of the Crime; February 13, evening — Police Statement; February 14, morning — Operation Details Comparison of Bank Break-ins: Number of Safe Deposit Boxes: Gelsenkirchen: approx. 3000 → Stuhr: 14; Method of Access: Drilling through the ceiling → Entry through a skylight shaft; Time of Day: Night/weekend → Lunch breakLiberal media emphasize the need to strengthen oversight of security procedures in cooperative banks. | Conservative media focus on the threat of organized crime and the need for harsher penalties for repeat offenders.