Archive · 13 Nov 2025
German ATM Attacks Decline as Criminals Shift Operations to Austria
Imagine some people who like to blow up cash machines to steal money.
They used to do this a lot in Germany, driving from the Netherlands to blow up ATMs and drive away quickly on the highway.
Germany has many ATMs, and people there like using cash, which made it a good place for these criminals.
But Germany made their ATMs safer with things like fog machines and dye, and they are also catching more criminals.
So, these ATM thieves are now going to Austria, which is also a place where people like to use cash and have lots of ATMs.
Because of this, Germany is seeing fewer ATM explosions, but Austria is seeing more.
ATM attacks in Germany have dropped to 115 this year from a peak of 496 in 2022.
Criminal gangs, largely Dutch, are shifting their ATM bombing operations from Germany to Austria.
Germany has implemented enhanced security measures for ATMs and increased penalties, leading to fewer attacks.
Attacks in Austria have doubled in 2024, with police attributing this to a 'squeezing-out effect' from Germany.
The trend highlights Austria's continued high preference for cash payments and abundant ATMs, making it a new target.
- Who
- Dutch criminal gangs, with some German, French, and Moldovan involvement
- What
- A significant decrease in ATM attacks in Germany, coinciding with an increase in such attacks in Austria, attributed to criminals shifting their operations.
- When
- ATM attacks in Germany have declined significantly in 2024 compared to a peak in 2022. Attacks in Austria have doubled in 2024 compared to 2023.
- Where
- Criminals previously targeted Germany, particularly areas near the Dutch border like North Rhine-Westphalia, and are now increasingly targeting Austria.
- Why
- Increased security measures and law enforcement pressure in Germany are forcing criminal gangs to seek easier targets in Austria, where cash usage remains high.
Criminals' Perspective
Law Enforcement's Perspective
Operational Focus
Criminals' Perspective
Exploiting cash-friendly environments like Austria due to increased security measures in Germany.
Law Enforcement's Perspective
Cracking down on ATM attacks by increasing security and pursuing criminals across borders.
Motivation and Methods
Criminals' Perspective
Profit from cash-based economies using explosives and targeting ATMs often located conveniently.
Law Enforcement's Perspective
Deterring criminal activity by increasing penalties, improving surveillance, and fostering international cooperation.
- ATM Attacks in Germany (2024 YTD)
- 115
- ATM Attacks in Germany (2022 Peak)
- 496
- Total Damage in Germany (since 2020)
- > €400 million
- ATM Attacks in Austria (2024 YTD)
- 29
- ATM Attacks in Austria (2023)
- 13
- German Banks' Security Investment
- > €300 million
- Annual Profit of German Banking Sector
- > €50 billion