Already More ATM Explosions Than in 2024

Last year and in 2023, 13 ATMs were blown up. If the perpetrators continue at the same pace and are not caught soon, the previous record numbers of ATM explosions from 2018 (21 cases) and 2019 (20 cases) could soon be exceeded.

Five Out of 14 ATM Explosions in Vienna

Of the 14 cases this year, five affected the Viennese districts of Donaustadt, Favoriten, Simmering twice, and Liesing, two in Lower Austria at Korneuburg station and Gänserndorf. Of the three explosions registered in Upper Austria, two were committed in one night at a shopping center in Wels, and another was attempted in Pasching. There were also cases in the Salzburg district of Aigen, in Neusiedl am See in Burgenland, at Ötztal station in Tyrol, and just on Thursday night in Graz. So far, the perpetrators have spared only Vorarlberg and Carinthia.

Fewer ATM Explosions in Corona Years

It is noticeable that after the strong years of 2018 and 2019, the first two Corona years 2020 and 2021 also saw massive declines in these cases. In 2020, only seven ATMs were blown up or at least attempted to be blown up. In 2021, there were only eight. In the third Corona year 2022, the numbers from the pre-Corona period were almost reached with 19. In 2023 and 2024, there were significantly fewer again with 13 each. Compared to the years 2010 and 2011, it has been much quieter in recent years: Back then, there was a series of explosions or ATM thefts, where the cash machines were sometimes chained in the foyers and ripped from their anchors with cars. At that time, several groups of perpetrators were also active throughout Austria. In addition to the "rippers," there were "exploders" and "cutters."

Countermeasures After Series of ATM Explosions

The investigators are currently withholding further information "for tactical reasons," as the Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) informed the APA upon request. The investigations are running intensively. The APA learned last week that at least five groups are currently active throughout Austria, which has resulted from differences in their approach. The current series has already led to countermeasures by the banks. At the Post, some ATMs have been taken "out of service until further notice," as a spokesperson recently confirmed an ORF report to the APA. At BAWAG, foyers remain closed between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Other banks have also strengthened security measures.

"SOKO ATM" Established After ATM Explosions

The executive also reacted: To better combat the offenses, the "SOKO ATM" located at the Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) began its work on Friday. This initiative is intended to serve the targeted pursuit of ATM explosions and coordinate national and international investigations. "Cross-border cooperation must now be advanced," stated Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP). The special commission is led by Dieter Csefan, the head of the department for combating organized and general crime at the Federal Criminal Police Office. "By networking expertise, exchanging information in a targeted manner, and taking joint action, perpetrators should be quickly identified and held accountable. Both repressive and preventive measures are used. In addition to consistent law enforcement, the focus is particularly on cooperation with banks to prevent future offenses and further develop security measures," said the Federal Criminal Police Office.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.