Key Takeaways:
- Exploding ATMs are a newer form of crime across Germany.
- Germany’s interior ministry reports a more than 40% increase in ATM attacks since 2019.
- Fifty-eight percent of everyday expenditures in Germany are made with cash. Germans withdraw more than 6,600 euros annually, primarily from ATMs.
WISCONSIN (CoinChapter.com) — Germany’s interior ministry reports a more than 40% increase in ATM attacks since 2019.
The increase, according to investigators, is caused by two things. The first is that Germany, the largest economy in Europe, has 53,000 ATMs, a disproportionately large number that reflects the country’s preference for cash over bank cards.
Second, the nation has a vast network of Autobahns and highways with no posted speed limits. This makes it simpler for criminals to move rapidly from one place to another while committing their horrific crimes unnoticed.
Due in part to security measures like the glue that renders blocks of cash within ATMs useless, the frequency of ATM assailants is decreasing in the Netherlands, according to Dutch police. As a result, border-crossing cash machine robbers from the Netherlands are believed to be responsible for 70% to 80% of incidents in Germany since 2018.
Germans Tend to Favor Cash
According to a survey by the Bundesbank, 58% of everyday expenditures in Germany are made with cash.
The study revealed that, on average, Germans withdraw more than 6,600 euros annually, primarily from ATMs. However, cash has long been the favored means of payment for Germans; this preference is part of the nation’s deeply embedded culture.
However, many Germans oppose the transition to a cashless society because they believe using cash provides privacy and anonymity. Furthermore, for many Germans, the idea of losing control over their financial operations is a big worry, so people keep using cash despite the dangers.
Furthermore, even for substantial purchases, cash is still routinely accepted in Germany. Credit cards are only commonly accepted at some stores and restaurants. This presents challenges for those wanting to use credit cards for everyday transactions. Germany is one of the few nations in Europe where buying a car with cash is still an option.
The German Authorities’ Response
The German government is seriously addressing the issue of ATM assaults and taking action to stop them from happening. Installing sensors in ATMs that can detect gas levels is one of the measures under consideration.
As a result, it would be more challenging for burglars to utilize gas to blow up the machines because the sensors would sound an alarm if gas levels went above a predetermined level. Additionally, to combat the rise of cross-border crime, the German police collaborate closely with their Dutch colleagues.
The two countries established a combined task force to share information and intelligence on ATM attacks. Authorities also encourage people to report suspicious activity near ATMs, which can help prevent attacks.
