Euros, Marks Stolen in German Heist
By David McHugh Associated Press Writer Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001; 3:30 p.m.
EDT
FRANKFURT, Germany –– Brand new euro bills were stolen Thursday from a
German cash-transport truck, police said, exposing the limits of security
aimed at preventing counterfeiters from getting hold of the currency ahead of
its launch in January.
The robbery, believed to be the first of a euro transport, was carried out by
the driver of the truck and an accomplice as it ferried the notes and cash in
various other currencies from one post office to another in the western state
of Hesse.
Police spokesman Kurt Maier couldn't specify the amount of euros taken.
Securicor, the firm that operated the truck, would say only that an initial
police report that up to $2.7 million in German marks were stolen was "many
times" too high.
Transports of euro bills and coins to banks and businesses across 12 European
countries went into high gear this week. While police in Germany have been
working with banks and armored car companies to provide security, they say
they simply don't have enough officers to protect every shipment.
The European Central Bank delayed the distribution and unveiling of new bank
notes until last week to give counterfeiters as small a head start as
possible on trying to copy the bills' security features, which include
holograms and watermarks.
That plan could be undone after Thursday's theft. The robbers struck just
before noon, overpowering and tying up the second officer in the truck's
two-man crew, before loading the money into a getaway car.
Police ordered a nationwide manhunt for the driver, identified as Halil
Yurtserver, and his accomplice.
Armored car company employees carry firearms in Germany, and officials have
said that some euro shipments may be shadowed by unmarked security personnel
– though won't say which ones.
French armored car drivers in May threatened to strike during euro
distribution due to a rash of robberies in which guards were killed. French
authorities have promised extra police protection.
Police initially reported Thursday that only marks had been stolen. The
thieves would have to spend the German currency by Feb. 28, when they will
cease being legal tender, or exchange them. Banks will still exchange marks
after that date.
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