Suche
Mein Konto
Blasting at ATMs in North Rhine-Westphalia: stagnation of attacks in 2025!
ATM explosions in North Rhine-Westphalia are stagnating. Experts are calling for more comprehensive safety measures for prevention.
Blasting at ATMs in North Rhine-Westphalia: stagnation of attacks in 2025!
If you look at the current figures, you might think that the ATM bombers in North Rhine-Westphalia could soon disappear from the scene. But appearances are deceptive, as the latest reports show that the explosive attacks are stagnating. A total of 19 ATM attacks were recorded in the first half of 2025, compared to 18 in the same period last year. Even if this cannot keep up with the record numbers from 2023, when there were a total of 153 attacks, the situation remains tense. n-tv.de reports that ...
A significant decline has been observed in recent years. There were 44 attacks in 2022 - a decrease of 71 percent compared to previous years. Experts have long been calling for ATMs to be equipped with special colored adhesive cartridges to mark the stolen banknotes in the event of explosions. This measure could not only deter perpetrators, but also ensure better traceability of the loot.
Strategic measures and successes
The North Rhine-Westphalia police took a strategic approach in the fight against ATM explosions. Various measures to avert danger have been implemented since 2015, such as providing recommendations for action for ATM operators. These include, among other things, technical upgrades, video surveillance and smoke systems for improved security. [polizei.nrw reports that ...](https://polizei.nrw/artikel/zahl-der-geldautomaten Sprengungen-ruecklaeufig)
The BEGAS special commission, which was set up in May 2022 to combat ATM explosions, has arrested 47 perpetrators since its founding - many of them with connections to Dutch perpetrator groups. Through increased cooperation with the Dutch police, the detection rate of suspects was increased. German investigations identified 127 suspects in the Netherlands.
Challenges and development
Despite these successes, the situation remains complex. In 2023, over 80 percent of ATM attacks in North Rhine-Westphalia were carried out by Dutch perpetrators. The police are aggressively pursuing the case, but the perpetrators are often mobile and use stolen high-performance vehicles to escape. This reckless behavior endangers not only the emergency services, but also bystanders, which leads to significant damage.
The “Heat” investigative commission remains active and is dedicated to the long-term fight against the criminal structures behind these explosions. NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul emphasized that combating ATM explosions is a continuing relevant issue, even if the special commission was dissolved in 2025. He made it clear that the challenge remains ongoing and that a good hand in prevention is still necessary. [land.nrw reports that ...](https://www.land.nrw/pressemitigung/attacke-ruecklaeufig-massnahme-gegen-geldautomaten Sprengungen-work)
In summary, despite a declining trend in ATM explosions, the situation is anything but relaxed. The authorities will not let up in actively tackling the challenges - this is the only way to protect citizens in the long term.