ATM blast on Father's Day: perpetrators flee after explosion in Knittlingen!

ATM blast on Father's Day: perpetrators flee after explosion in Knittlingen!

On Father's Day, May 29, 2025, unknown perpetrators blew up an ATM in the Sparkassen branch in Knittlingen, Enzkreis at around 3:40 a.m. The machine was on the ground floor of a residential building, which led to considerable damage. According to the initial police estimates, the property damage amounts to around 700,000 euros, although the house remains habitable. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the residents of the house remained intact.

The explosion not only caused damage to the bank branch, but also on the adjacent residential complex. The perpetrators fled with a vehicle after the crime and the Pforzheim police started the investigation. The investigators receive support from the protection and criminal police and the State Criminal Police Office Baden-Württemberg. Witnesses are asked to report suspicious observations on 07231/186-4444. Notes on the amount of the stolen money have so far been unclear.

incidents in the larger context

The explosion scenarios are part of a worrying trend in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. According to an evaluation, a total of over 80 machines were documented between May 2024 and January 2025, with Germany taking on the sad top spot with 50 cases. There were 18 explosions in Switzerland, often in regions close to the border, which enable the perpetrators a quick escape abroad. 12 incidents have been registered in Austria, often with the use of fireworks.

The explosions tend to concentrate near motorways and borders, which presents the investigation with considerable challenges. An example of such an incident is the demolition of a ticket machine in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, just five kilometers from the German border. Here the clearance rate for machine blasting is alarming, which indicates strategic planning of the perpetrators.

With the increasing number of machine blades in the Dach region, fears that these acts will be a continuing trend. The police are faced with the task of working across borders to put the craft and ensure the safety of the citizens. It remains to be seen whether the investigation in the event of Knittlingen will lead to quick clarification.

The Pforzheim police and other places are available for current information on the investigation and possible calls for witnesses. The explosiveness of the topic requires an exact eye and quick measures on the part of the authorities.

SWR reports that ...
Presseportal explains that ...
Netz-Trends emphasizes that ...