ATM News

Problems with Dutch network

Geldmaat runs the ATM network for the Netherland’s largest banks. This utility approach to ATM provision has strict service level agreements. Despite this the media in the Netherlands has reported that 5% of ATMs were broken at some point in September. The target for 2023 was 2.5%. If it is missed, this will be the second year in a row it has been missed. One reason blamed for this is a shortage of spare parts.

Attacks in Germany

At the recent ATMIA Europe and Emerging Market ATM seminar, information was given about current trends in ATM crime. The response of the Netherlands to violent ATM attacks has been to move ATMs inside buildings and to add protection. This has led to a dramatic fall in attacks, leading the criminals to cross the border to Germany.

Dutch police have recently arrested four individuals for allegedly blowing up multiple ATMs in southern Germany. This is part of an ongoing investigation, which has arrested 16 people so far. Police suspect that a criminal gang is behind these crimes and that they have stolen almost $5.5 million from ATMs.

Calls for Cashless Economy in South Africa

The Premier of Gauteng province in South Africa is calling for a cashless economy in the province because of the increase in cash-in-transit heists. 249 have been recorded since January.

His logic is that if there is less cash there won’t be cash in transit bombings, fewer business robberies, fewer people attacked in their houses or kidnaped.