There are hardly any explosions at ATMs in Brabant. Last year there was not a single explosion and this year one in Helmond. “The few ATMs that are still targeted nationally are not from banks,” says spokesperson Jelle Wijkstra of the Dutch Banking Association. This also applies to the explosives raid in Helmond. “ATMs of ING, ABN AMRO and Rabobank, united in Geldmaat, are no longer affected.”
Three years ago, 2019, the number of explosions peaked with 48 in the Netherlands. Then security measures were taken. With success, it turns out.
“We have removed ATMs in dangerous places,” said spokesman Wijkstra. “So no more vending machines under or next to homes that could be damaged.”
“We also closed our vending machines at night,” Wijkstra continues. “That was initially a temporary measure, but is now permanent. Due to the closure, there is no longer a slide open in the machine where an explosive can be pushed.”
five kilometers
While many ATMs have disappeared, there is always one within a five-mile radius. In addition to the common ATM of the three major banks, of which there are about 5000 units in the Netherlands, more and more machines of other other financial institutions are being added.
Mister Cash, GWK Travelex, Euronet ATM are examples of other ATM providers. These vending machines are now the target of thieves. For example, it is possible to pay by card during the night.
Downward trend
Nevertheless, a downward trend has been visible since 2019, although we already have more explosions in 2022 than a year earlier. In September we counted 11 explosions nationwide and there are now 12 because Thursday was a hit in Amsterdam. “But that was not at one of our ATMs,” Wijkstra knows.