Banks, Geldmaat, authorities and police join forces against ATM explosive-attack criminals

Banks, Geldmaat, the authorities and police are introducing new measures to combat criminals who are using increasingly powerful explosives to attack ATMs.

Banks and Geldmaat are temporarily taking their ATMs out of service at night with immediate effect. They will also move ATMs that pose an increased risk to local residents to safer locations wherever possible. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring that cash remains readily accessible and available.

Banks, Geldmaat, De Nederlandsche Bank and the police are also accelerating their research into an effective new measure that would render banknotes unusable during an ATM explosive attack, leaving criminals with no proceeds. The aim is to implement this measure as soon as possible.

“ATM explosive attacks undermine our society,” says Chris Buijink, chair of the Dutch Banking Association. “We cannot accept that an explosive goes off somewhere in our country every few days, often near people’s homes. I am therefore pleased that today, together with Ministers Grapperhaus and Hoekstra and all the public and private organisations involved, we are forming a united front against this disruptive form of crime.”

Investigations will therefore continue unabated, while public-private cooperation between banks, Geldmaat, the police and the judicial authorities will be intensified. The government’s Robbery Task Force will monitor progress, with an initial evaluation scheduled for the end of January.

ATMs closed at night

For the time being, all outdoor ATMs operated by banks and Geldmaat will be switched off between 11 pm and 7 am. The security systems in the ATMs will remain fully operational. This measure will take effect at 11 pm on Monday 16 December.

Depositing loose banknotes, which is possible at some ATMs, will no longer be available at night. The opening hours of safes where business customers can deposit so-called ‘sealbags’ will remain unchanged.

The night-time closures will have only a limited impact on the accessibility and availability of cash. Less than 2% of all withdrawals from outdoor ATMs take place at night. Although this may inconvenience some people, safety comes first. The ATMs concerned will remain available for withdrawals and deposits during the day and in the evening until 11 pm, seven days a week.

Moving ATMs

ATM explosive attacks pose safety risks to local residents and cause extensive property damage. Banks and Geldmaat will therefore consult closely with municipalities, the police, retailers, building managers and residents, among others, to move some ATMs to safer locations. This mainly concerns ATMs located very close to people’s homes.

Some ATMs that pose too great a risk will be removed permanently, provided this does not compromise the accessibility and availability of cash.

Investigation and prosecution continue unabated

More than 70 arrests relating to ATM explosive attacks have been made this year. Investigations are coordinated nationally and conducted by specialist teams that can reach the scene quickly. These teams also cooperate internationally to track down groups of perpetrators and bring them to justice. This approach enables the police and Public Prosecution Service to improve their ability to catch perpetrators red-handed. Banks and Geldmaat provide them with all the information they need.

Rendering banknotes permanently unusable

Criminals want to steal banknotes, so the prospect of obtaining any proceeds must be minimised. Banks, Geldmaat, DNB and the police are therefore commissioning research into ways of effectively rendering banknotes unusable during an ATM explosive attack, leaving nothing for criminals to take. As soon as such a measure has been identified, the intention is to install it in ATMs as quickly as possible.

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