It is cutthroat competition: Since the Dutch operators of ATMs are protecting their devices better and better, the criminals are moving to Germany.

They inject gas into the machines or even blow them up.

Not every ATM is free-standing or in a branch - many are also in residential areas.

So there is also a risk to life and limb.

The example of the Netherlands shows that ATMs can be better protected.

A corresponding campaign there, however, began in 2014. A lot is being done in Germany, but obviously not enough. Even if ATMs are expensive and a major cost factor for banks, more needs to be done here. Because there are too many banks in residential buildings, ATMs are sometimes only protected by a thin wooden ceiling in the living space. There are still no corresponding cases in which bystanders were seriously injured.

But it shouldn't have to get that far. The ATM operators from the Netherlands know what to do. All you have to do is put it into practice. It cannot prevent every attack - but it is better to prevent a few than none at all. Why shouldn't what works in the Netherlands work in Germany?