Robbery on ATMs in Vienna: perpetrators fail miserably!

Robbery on ATMs in Vienna: perpetrators fail miserably!

In the early morning hours of June 4, 2025, unknown perpetrators at Antonie-Alton-Gasse 2 in Vienna tried to crack an ATM. However, the criminal machinations were unsuccessful. A security employee discovered the damaged machine and immediately alerted the police. This arrived at the scene at 6.20 a.m. and found that the perpetrators had torn down the outer cover of the ATM to open the safe. Fortunately, this attempt had failed. The Vienna State Criminal Police Office, South branch, has started the investigation into attempted burglary theft to grasp the perpetrators. 5min reports that ...

The incident is skill in the safety of ATMs in the city. The security mechanisms of modern ATMs are designed to protect both cash and customer data. In recent years, Vienna has struggled with an increase in attempted thefts: In 2023, for example, five ATMs have already been blown up. The Federal Criminal Police Office suspects a threat from internationally organized criminals. In addition, Swiss Post temporarily takes away some ATMs out of operation to increase security and minimize potential dangers. ORF reports that ...

security features in focus

Austria has around 8,600 ATMs, which represents the densest network in the EU to Portugal. These machines are equipped with various safety methods, including sensors that trigger the alarm in the event of an attack, and additional design features that make access to cash. In addition, reinforced steel plates and special locking mechanisms are used to prevent attackers. An important aspect is also the use of color cassettes that devalue the cash for manipulation. These technical solutions have already proven to be sensible to counteract the robberies. Futurezone reports that ...

Not all security solutions are highly technological. Some banks also rely on low-tech measures such as mirrors for observation when lifting money and privacy panels to ensure better protection. EMC chip technology, which has been implemented in 70 percent of the worldwide banking cards that have been implemented in 2024, also makes it almost impossible to use "skimming" data. The development towards contactless payment, which has been possible in Austria since 2007, has also contributed to increasing the heat to the criminals.

The financial security measures at the ATM are therefore still at the center of public attention. With the technical development, it remains crucial to continuously check and adapt both the mechanisms and the safety precautions. After all, it is essential that the citizens in Vienna can not only feel safe when lifting money, but also in everyday life.