ATEMATSPRENGER strikes again: Sparkasse devastated in Wels!

ATEMATSPRENGER strikes again: Sparkasse devastated in Wels!

On the night of April 25, 2025, unknown perpetrators once again attacked a Sparkassen branch in Wels-Penau by blewing an ATM. This attack causes considerable property damage to the building and the ATM, reports Kosmo . The police have been operating since the early hours of the morning, with Boschstraße being blocked between Kaplanstrasse and Markusstraße and corresponding detours are set up. It is currently unclear whether the perpetrators could capture cash and to what amount.

The State Criminal Police Office has started the investigation and is on site. The area around the crime scene was cordoned off. This is not the first incident of this kind in Austria: Similar attacks occurred, for example, on February 24, 2025 in the Max Center shopping center, where two ATMs were also blown up. In 2024, a total of 13 ATMs were registered, while it was already 18 this year, which underlines the worrying development.

increased security measures and a new concept

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has announced measures to combat crime. On April 11, 2025, a security pact between the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the banking industry was signed. The aim of this pact is to combat ATM boards as well as organized crime, such as wko reported.

The minister emphasizes the need for close cooperation between all security players, both nationally and internationally. In this context, a common information platform for the real -time exchange of safety -relevant information between the banks and the Federal Criminal Police Office is set up. Michael Höllerer, General Director of the WKÖ federal division Bank and Insurance, emphasizes the priority of security for customers and employees and emphasizes that the affected banks work closely with the responsible authorities.

challenges through international networks

The investigative authorities suspect that international criminal networks are behind these explosions. Despite the establishment of a special commission (SOKO) and the announced security measures of the banks, including dyeing systems and nuberance technology, the threat remains. The explosions not only cause serious damage to property, but also endanger the security of uninvolved people.

As the past week confirmed, the current incidents show that the security measures must be continuously evaluated and reinforced. The Austrian banks would like to thank the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Criminal Police Office for their efforts in the fight against ATM.