ATM Gas attacks are a problem for Europe - Is the USA next?

In April 2013 information of the first ATM explosive gas attack seen in the UK was posted on this blog.  The European ATM Security Team (EAST) has been reporting statistics for such attacks since 2005, and the chart below shows a significant increase from 2009 to 2013.

Card skimming at European ATMs hits a six year low - but explosive attacks are rising

The European ATM Security Team (EAST) has reported another fall in ATM related card skimming incidents, while card trapping incidents and ATM explosive attacks continue to rise.  A summary of the statistics can be seen in the image below.

Explosive gas hits UK ATMs for the first time

While ATM explosive gas attacks have been common for many years in parts of Europe, the UK has escaped unscathed - until last week when there was a successful attack on an ATM in a garage in Hampshire.  Hampshire police released the video captured by the forecourt CCTV cameras.

Explosive gas attacks on the increase in Europe

Explosive gas attacks are on the increase in Europe.  According to the European ATM Security Team explosive and gas attacks rose by 88% in 2010, when compared to 2009, increasing from 148 reported incidents in 2009 to 278 in 2010.

It is not all plain sailing for the criminals though:  In a recent attack reported in Croatia thieves detonated gas from a cylinder in order to rob an ATM machine in the small locality of Mihovljani in Zagorje (north of Zagreb).  The thieves blew up the ATM machine late in the evening of Wednesday 20th April after it had been filled with cash.  The ATM was located in a retail store which was demolished in the incident.