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Hesse’s ATM explosions plummet after years of relentless police crackdowns

From 61 blasts to just six: How Hesse’s elite police unit outmaneuvered Dutch gangs. The high-stakes chase to end ATM explosions isn’t over yet.

, and Administrator

2025 December 26 . 5:17 AM

1 min read

This image is taken from inside the airplane. In this image we can see there is a glass of an... — This image is taken from inside the airplane. In this image we can see there is a glass of an airplane through which we can see there are so many vehicles moving on the roads, trees, poles and buildings.

Significantly fewer ATM explosions in Hesse - Hesse’s ATM explosions plummet after years of relentless police crackdowns

ATM explosions in Hesse have dropped sharply in 2025, with only six attacks recorded by December. This marks a steep decline from 24 incidents in 2024 and a peak of 61 in 2023. Authorities attribute the reduction to ongoing efforts by a specialised police task force set up in 2019 to tackle the issue.

Criminals typically strike between 1:00 and 5:00 AM, targeting ATMs in both rural and urban areas. Dutch gangs are often behind the attacks, using stolen or rented high-performance cars and solid explosives. After detonation, they flee at dangerous speeds, sometimes with explosives still in the vehicle, and carry extra fuel to prolong their escape.

In 2025, only three of the six attacks in Hesse succeeded, netting at least €100,000 in cash. However, the total property damage exceeded €217,000. Investigators have linked cases, identified suspects, and made arrests—sometimes years later—including in the Netherlands. The Hessian police’s task force works alongside the HLKA, which provides intelligence-sharing and statewide crime analysis. This collaboration has helped disrupt criminal networks operating across borders.

The drop in ATM explosions follows years of targeted police work, including arrests and intelligence-led operations. While the threat remains, fewer attacks suggest that law enforcement measures are having an impact. The task force continues to monitor and respond to the evolving tactics of criminal groups.