Germany is set to implement stricter measures in response to an alarming surge in cash machine bombings by organised criminal gangs.

The interior and justice ministries jointly announced on Saturday that the number of ATM burglaries involving explosives rose by 26.5 per cent in 2022 compared to the previous year, marking the highest level since records began in 2005.

The financial toll on businesses has been significant, with damages estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of euros. In light of this escalating threat, the German government has proposed new legislation to increase the minimum prison sentence for such crimes from one year to two years. In cases where the health of bystanders is endangered, offenders could face between five and 15 years in prison, up from the current minimum of two years.

German interior minister Nancy Faeser emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "Anyone who blows up ATMs risks the lives of uninvolved people. We are dealing here with unscrupulous criminal groups and highly dangerous explosives."

This latest initiative follows previous attempts to curb the attacks. Two years ago, authorities mandated the closure of self-service bank foyers during night hours. Last year, police operations in the Netherlands and Belgium led to the arrest of suspects believed to be responsible for at least three dozen ATM bombings across Germany.

The proposed legislation also aims to expand the investigative powers of law enforcement agencies, particularly in the realm of telecommunications data. Banks have been urged to enhance their security measures, including improved video surveillance, reducing cash holdings in machines, and implementing systems to fog and colour banknotes during explosions.

As Germany grapples with this growing criminal trend, the government hopes that tougher penalties and enhanced security measures will serve as a deterrent to would-be attackers. The effectiveness of these new measures remains to be seen, but authorities are committed to protecting both financial institutions and public safety in the face of this dangerous and costly criminal activity.

---