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Donaustadt: Two ATMs blown up in a spectacular nighttime operation!
In Vienna-Donaustadt, two ATMs were blown up during the night. Police are investigating fleeing perpetrators and increasing crime.
Donaustadt: Two ATMs blown up in a spectacular nighttime operation!
On the night of Thursday, June 12, 2025, two ATMs were blown up in Vienna-Donaustadt. The incident became known at around 3:15 a.m. when the police were quickly alerted, and they immediately began investigating. According to police spokeswoman Anna Gutt, several people fled after the explosion. Two suspects can be seen on video surveillance footage and investigators are now trying to identify them. It remains unclear how much the loot is, but the search is in full swing. It is not their first act this year: Over 20 ATM explosions have already been registered throughout Austria, which has led to increased cooperation between the security authorities. Since March 1, 2025, SOKO Bankomat has been investigating at the Federal Criminal Police Office in close cooperation with the state criminal investigation offices.
Increase in ATM explosions
The blown up machines in Donaustadt are part of a worrying trend that has increased in several federal states in recent months. According to an analysis, there are at least five to six different groups behind these attacks, which can be identified by differences in their actions. Just on Monday there were two more explosions in a shopping center in Wels. These new incidents could indicate the work of a previously unknown group of perpetrators. Criminal experts report that at least three different perpetrators are active in Vienna. One of the most striking groups could come from the Netherlands due to its structure.
These explosions are not isolated: explosions have been carried out at a total of twelve different crime scenes across Austria since the beginning of the year, including Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland, Salzburg and Upper Austria. In comparison, 2018 was the highest number in the last six years with 21 explosions. This phenomenon creates a sense of urgency among investigative authorities as a rising trend and the possibility of further blasts cannot be ruled out.
Bank measures
In response to the wave of ATM explosions, various banks have taken extensive security precautions. Some ATM systems, such as those at the post office, were temporarily taken out of service to minimize the potential damage. At BAWAG, the foyers remain closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in order to improve the security situation. Other banks have already stepped up their security measures to protect themselves against these increasingly aggressive attacks.
Overall, the picture is alarming: not only in Austria, but also in other EU countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, ATM explosions occur frequently - on average two to three per day. While the investigative authorities continue to work at full speed, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be fruitful and the perpetrators can soon be held accountable for their actions.
For further information about the ATM explosions in Vienna and the banks' security measures, visit ORF and [Kleine Zeitung](https://www.kleinezeitung.at/oesterreich/19404809/bankomat Sprengungen-mindestens-fuenf-gruppen-in-oesterreich-aktiv).