ATMs are being blown up more and more frequently in Germany. Many banks have already improved security – but more could be done, says the Osnabrück police chief.
Osnabrück – In view of the increasing number of ATM blasts, the Osnabrück police chief Michael Maßmann calls for better protective measures.
When it comes to prevention, the banks and savings banks in Germany should take the Netherlands as an example, Maßmann told the dpa. There, the access to the machines had been made more difficult, their number reduced and the money stocks reduced. Because the Dutch have done more for prevention, the perpetrators have since turned to Germany.
“The banks are not doing enough, the passive security of the machines could be increased significantly,” said Maßmann. The banks have done a lot to improve the security of the ATMs in recent years. In view of the increasing number of crimes, which are also becoming more and more dangerous, that is no longer enough.
He would be more comfortable if the legislature would introduce binding rules, said Maßmann. In the meantime, two thirds of the perpetrators, who come from the Netherlands, are increasingly using solid explosives and are also endangering the lives of bystanders. dpa
