Sparkasse Western Pomerania closes branches at night: protection against slot machines!

Sparkasse Western Pomerania closes branches at night: protection against slot machines!

In the coming night there will be a remarkable step by the Sparkasse Vorpommern: from July 23, 2025, several branches of the institute close their doors from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. This measure is a reaction to the increasing threat from ATM blasts, which in the past also caused excitement in the region. The branches in Greifswald Eldena, Karlshagen, Grimmen, Stralsund, Sellin and Putbus are particularly affected, such as [Ostsee-Zeitung] (https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/vorpommern-ruegen/stralsund/darum-schliesst-die-vorpommern- Mehrere-filiale-ueber-goeylxeyljg4tkqnfb3wdupycu.html) reported.

The statistics are alarming: In Germany, the cases of ATM blasts have risen continuously in recent years. Perpetrators often use technical devices and explosive substances to carry out their criminal machinations, which is not only a material but also a massive risk to residents. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office , the attacks are a challenge for the authorities, especially in quiet night. The crime rate, especially in northern Germany, has developed upwards in the past five years.

preventive measures and new security standards

In order to effectively counter these developments, the Sparkasse Vorpommern has carried out extensive security analyzes at its 75 locations. Not only the branches themselves, but also the ATMs were checked for their safety. The result is a tailor -made "security package" in cooperation with the police and security service providers. Marco Thürck, Sparkasse Security Manager, emphasizes that the protection of life, assets and cash supply has a top priority.

The implemented measures include the use of modern technologies, such as passive money recycling systems that immediately discolour the banknotes in an attack, as well as noisy -noise technology, which makes it difficult to successfully carry out their projects. These investments in security go into the millions, and the new machines are also accessible, as the Bosch Building Solutions.

A look at the development of the crimes

The situation is not only tense at the Sparkasse Vorpommern. Compared to neighboring countries such as the Netherlands and France, the Federal Republic of Germany has no uniform security standards for ATMs. As a result, perpetrators from neighboring countries increasingly shift their activities to Germany, as reporting illustrates. The "round table" of the Federal Ministry of the Interior in autumn 2022 would have created recommendations to improve security, but the implementation is ongoing.

The control of ATM blasts must be tackled holistically. Simple individual measures are not sufficient. This is also shown by the dramatic figures in recent years: from 414 explosions in 2020, the number decreased to 392 in 2021, but the current status remains alarming.

In a time when banks are increasingly required due to the relevant threat situation, the new measures of the Sparkasse Vorpommern show that the protection of customers and their values is at the forefront. In this sense, all those affected should remain vigilant and closely observe the progress of the security measures.