Unknown people fail spectacularly at the ATM in Cologne!

Unknown people fail spectacularly at the ATM in Cologne!

An unusual incident occurred between September 5th and 10th, 2025 in Cologne's Old Town North. Unknown perpetrators tried to break into an ATM at Eigelstein. But despite a sophisticated approach, they failed in their plan, as ksta.de reports.

The crime was exposed when a security employee discovered a hole in the wall behind the machine on September 10th. The criminals managed to get to the back of the machine via an inner courtyard accessible from Machabäerstrasse. There they had opened the wall behind the ATM but were unable to successfully cut it open.

Investigations and parallels

The police immediately began investigating and are checking whether there are parallels to a similar incident in Cologne-Sülz. There, too, perpetrators tried to get into the cash boxes of an ATM. The exact circumstances of both crimes are still unclear; the police are encouraging witnesses to call 0221 229-0 or email poststelle.koeln@polizei.nrw.de if they have made any suspicious observations. The investigators accept tips at any time, which provides valuable support in processing these cases.

Overall, the number of attacks on ATMs in North Rhine-Westphalia has reached alarming levels. According to [polizei.nrw](https://polizei.nrw/artikel/zahl-der-geldautomaten Sprengungen-ruecklaeufig), a total of 153 explosions were registered in 2023, fewer than in the previous year, but the level remains high. What is particularly striking is that over 80% of these crimes are carried out by Dutch groups of perpetrators. Such incidents not only pose a high risk for the perpetrators themselves, but also for bystanders and emergency services.

Prevention and cooperation

The police have set the issue of ATM blasts as a strategic priority and are working intensively with other authorities to sustainably combat crime in this area. In addition to collecting data, officials also use modern means of prevention and effective combat, such as coordinating the BEGAS special commission and exchanging information with various security authorities. There are also recommendations for action for ATM operators, which include video surveillance, mechanical security and other measures, although the responsibility for implementation lies with the banks.

The Eigelstein incident serves as a stark reminder of how important it is to be vigilant in public and to help the police solve such crimes. A good knack for working together can help bring down the perpetrators and prevent future crimes - a goal that everyone cares about.