Schwerin (dpa/mv) - After an increase in ATM blasts, the foyers of the Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin have been closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. since the beginning of the new year. "Attacks on ATMs represent a serious threat," explained Sparkasse board member Joachim Ziegler. The "Schweriner Volkszeitung" had previously reported.
Self-service areas, including ATMs in the foyers, are not available during closing hours. 23 branches and 14 self-service locations are affected. The outdoor ATMs could continue to be used 24 hours a day. It's also about saving energy, explained Ziegler.
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reported in November that the blasting of ATMs has recently taken a worrying development. In 2021, investigators registered 392 attempted ATM demolitions nationwide. The Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin referred to a forecast by the BKA, according to which up to 500 explosive attacks were expected in 2022. The interior ministers had asked the savings banks and ATM operators to take more protective measures.
