A series of cash machine explosions across Austria in recent weeks is believed to be the work of “five to six different groups”, investigators say.

The latest incident occurred on Monday, when two ATMs were blown open at a shopping centre in Wels, Upper Austria. Banks have since tightened security measures in response to the attacks.

Dutch Gang

At least one of the groups is thought to be a well-organised criminal gang from the Netherlands, according to investigators speaking off the record.

Authorities are still working to establish which attacks can be linked to the group. However, sources familiar with the case believe “at least three groups are operating in Vienna alone and five to six across Austria”. Police have not ruled out further attacks.

Twelve Incidents This Year

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) declined to comment on any possible links between cases, citing “ongoing intensive investigations”. It said it was working closely with regional crime offices.

Since the start of the year, explosions have been reported at twelve locations across Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland, Salzburg and Upper Austria. The highest number in recent years was recorded in 2018, when 21 such incidents took place.

Crime Trend on the Rise

Police say the attacks are part of “a known phenomenon that occurs in waves”. A rising trend has been observed, though investigators point out that similar patterns have been seen in other EU countries.

“In Germany or the Netherlands, there are two to three such explosions every day,” a senior officer said.