Shock in Schenefeld: ATM sprinkler causes millions!

Shock in Schenefeld: ATM sprinkler causes millions!

On January 30, 2025, the trial against two 19-year-old suspected ATM sprinkler began in Schenefeld (Pinneberg district). At the end of April 2024, these had gotten two ATMs in a shopping center, but did not achieve cash because the safes remained closed. The property damage in the shopping center amounts to over one million euros. One machine was blown up while the other was lifted; The police investigations are carried out, as ndr reported.

In the further course of the topic of ATM sprinkles, it was found that in Germany in 2023 a damage of 95 million euros caused by a blown up ATM, which were replaced by the insurance companies. This sum comprises 75 million euros for repairs to ATMs and bank buildings as well as 20 million euros for replacing the stolen money. In 2022, the costs for damage were even higher, which underlines the urgency of preventive measures. The police registered 461 cases of ATM blasts in 2023. Of which 276 thefts were successful, and the entire prey was 28.4 million euros, such as Tagesschau reported.

risk factors and recommendation for prevention

For each euro of stolen cash, two to three euros for collateral damage to buildings and infrastructure are incurred. Intensive interaction between investigative authorities and banks is necessary to counteract the problem. The Federal Ministry of the Interior and the insurance companies recommend measures such as completing self-service foyers at night, the installation of burglary detection systems, video surveillance and reducing cash stock in machines.