Dutch authorities to intensely target ATM bombers

By Janene Pieters on July 26, 2017 - 08:27
Zoetermeer ATM explosion
An explosion during a failed heist left an ATM and its surroundings in disrepair (SebastiaanT/Twitter). (An explosion during a failed heist left an ATM and its surroundings in disrepair (SebastiaanT/Twitter))

The police are planning an experiment in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht in which they will more intensely target ATM bombers and ram-raiders. The experiment involves stopping these criminals by following them very obviously and annoyingly, taking their illegally earned money and also keeping an eye on their family members, NOS reports.

The Tax authorities and municipalities will also participate in this experiment. "We map their cash flows so we can take their criminal earnings", Jos van der Stap of the National Police's ATM Bombing team, said to the broadcaster. The experiment is set to start before the end of the year.

According to the police, there are about 300 people that are suspected of ATM bombings and ram-raids. They are mainly centered in Utrecht and Amsterdam and are active in the Netherlands and Germany. According to the police, a prison sentence is not enough to stop these criminals continuing in a life of crime. "Only arresting them therefore does not make sense, we have to do more."

The police will also keep an eye on these suspects' family members, because siblings and cousins of criminals are at bigger risk of getting onto the wrong path. The intention is that these family members will be addressed and guided at school. 

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