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ATM attacked in Timmendorf: Perpetrators leave 10,000 euros worth of damage!
Unknown perpetrators attacked an ATM in Timmendorf, Poel Island. Police are investigating, looking for witnesses.
ATM attacked in Timmendorf: Perpetrators leave 10,000 euros worth of damage!
On the night of July 16th to 17th, an incident occurred on the picturesque island of Poel that disturbed the tranquility of the holiday. Unknown perpetrators tried to tear an ATM from its anchorage in Timmendorf. This incident took place on Tau’n Lüchttorm Street, in close proximity to the bus turnaround loop and the souvenir shop. According to initial investigations by the Ostsee Zeitung, the property damage is estimated at around 10,000 euros. It remains unclear whether the perpetrators were able to steal anything from the ATM themselves.
The police were made aware of the damaged machine by several informants on Thursday morning around 7 a.m. and immediately began an investigation. The criminal police secured evidence and questioned residents. A call for help was sent to the population: Witnesses who observed suspicious activity during the night are asked to contact the Wismar police on 03841-2030 or any police station, as the Presseportal reported.
Background on attacks on ATMs
However, this event is not an isolated case. In fact, the issue of physical attacks on ATMs is becoming increasingly pressing. According to an analysis by Git-sicherheit, the number of ATMs in Germany has fallen for the first time since 1968. Last year, around 1,500 devices were taken down, which has come into sharp focus due to the increasing number of attacks on these devices. Cash supplies are becoming increasingly compromised in many communities, particularly in rural areas.
A total of 579 physical attacks on ATMs were recorded in 2021, representing a decrease of 13.7 percent compared to the previous year, but explosive attacks remain a serious problem. These attacks caused 19.5 million euros in looted damage - a 14 percent increase compared to 2020. Of particular concern is the increase in explosions with solid explosives, which have increased by a staggering 125 percent.
Police have responded to the increasing threat by taking special measures to increase the security of ATMs. Risk assessments are created for each ATM and structural protective measures are also recommended. This includes, among other things, secure anchoring of the machines as well as additional security precautions such as video-monitored areas.
The situation in Timmendorf is another wake-up call for communities to rethink security precautions around ATMs. The combination of the holiday season and the increase in crime requires quick action and increased vigilance.