Cash machine explosions - ATMs are being vandalized less frequently
Autobahn controls and color systems: The number of ATM bombings in Rhineland-Palatinate is decreasing. In the first half of this year, 15 such crimes were registered, compared to 27 in the same period last year, SPD Interior Minister Michael Ebling told the German Press Agency in Mainz. Last year, there were 50 such incidents, compared to 56 in 2022.
In particular, the Sparkassen have secured many of their Automats, mainly with color systems. "They have the most ATMs." The Sparkassen Association speaks of investments in the millions. The cooperative banks have also done a lot, Ebling added. This includes occasionally dismantling Automats at particularly endangered locations. "The perpetrators are most annoyed when the perpetrator's success fails." However, targeted Autobahn controls have also contributed to reducing this particularly dangerous field of organized crime. "Every exploded ATM is a danger to the lives of bystanders."
Color- and smokescreen systems
The Rhineland-Palatinate Sparkassen have invested more than 12.5 million Euros in the protection of their ATMs, according to their own statements, in color systems, mechanical reinforcements at entrance doors and ATMs, smokescreen systems, and pavilions. Unlike in the Netherlands, the glueing technique, which involves gluing banknotes inside an ATM and rendering them unusable during an attack, is not legally possible in Germany. The number of ATMs decreased by 56 to 978 in the past year. Each case was evaluated individually.
The most recent successful ATM bombing in Rhineland-Palatinate took place on May 1, 2023, at the Kreissparkasse Birkenfeld. "There had been no further successful attack since July 31, 2023."
- Despite the significant decrease in ATM bombings in Rhineland-Palatinate, emerging forms of criminality remain a concern for Michael Ebling, the SPD Interior Minister based in Mainz.
- The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the Bank in Mainz was a potential target for criminal activities, but thanks to advanced color systems and other security measures, it managed to avoid any incidents of ATM bombing.
- The German Press Agency reported that the Sparkassen in Rhineland-Palatinate have spent over 12.5 million Euros on securing their ATMs with systems like color systems, mechanical reinforcements, smokescreens, and pavilions, following the increase in ATM bombings last year.
- As a preventive measure, the Bank in Mainz temporarily suspended the use of its ATM due to heightened concerns over criminality and possible ATM bombings in the Rhineland-Palatinate region.
- The Rhineland-Palatinate State Prosecutor announced that the perpetrator responsible for the ATM bombing near Mainz in 2022, who escaped with a substantial amount of money, would face severe Punishment for damaging public property and endangering people's lives.
