Thieves broke into the Union Bank of India branch near Kim Crossroads in Surat and stole cash and valuables worth over ₹40 lakh, police reported. The robbers gained access to the bank’s vault by cutting through a side wall, disabling security systems, and evading detection.
Heist Details
The incident occurred during the night when the bank premises were empty. The burglars created a two-foot hole in the wall to enter the locker room. They disabled the bank’s surveillance cameras by cutting the cables and tampered with the alarm system, which failed to trigger during the crime.
Police said the robbers spent approximately three hours inside the bank. Out of 75 lockers, six were targeted, but three of these were empty. One locker, owned by an NRI, contained only a Ganesha idol, while another had jewellery worth ₹40 lakh, which was stolen. Around 35 lockers were left untouched.
Burglars Used Adjacent Office to Access Bank
Investigators revealed that the burglars entered the bank by first breaking into a one-room office located behind the bank. This office, which belongs to the property owner, shares a common wall with the bank. The thieves broke through the office’s fibre door and then drilled a hole in the wall to access the locker room.
The hole was large enough for a slender person to pass through, allowing direct entry into the bank’s secure area. “The open area behind the bank made it easier for the burglars to operate unnoticed. No sounds of drilling or breaking were heard due to the isolated location,” a police official said.
Professional Execution Suspected
Authorities believe the theft was carried out by a group of five individuals with professional expertise. Police suspect that someone familiar with the bank’s layout may have provided inside information. An electric cutter, likely used to break into the lockers, was recovered from the scene.
CCTV footage from nearby roads and highways is being reviewed for additional clues. Remote camera visuals, though unclear, suggest the involvement of multiple suspects.
Investigation Underway
A case has been registered, and multiple police teams are working to identify the culprits. “This appears to be a meticulously planned operation. We are exploring all leads to catch those responsible,” a senior officer said.
The incident has raised concerns about security measures at banks, prompting calls for stricter protocols to prevent similar heists in the future.
