A new wave of concern has emerged among authorities following an ATM attack that occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 5th, in Vrilissia, as police are examining the possibility that the incident is linked to one of the organized gangs that have re-emerged recently, targeting automated teller machines.
The attack took place at 03:55 at an ATM located outside a supermarket on Penteli Avenue 59. The explosion caused damage to the machine, however the perpetrators failed to remove the cash cassettes.
Read also: Arson attack on ATM in Vrilissia: Authorities investigate connection to Attica Region vehicle arson in Marousi
ATM attack in Vrilissia: What authorities are investigating – The connection to Attica Region vehicle arson
According to sources, police officers are seriously examining the possibility that the perpetrators are members of the same criminal group behind similar ATM attacks in recent times.
Investigations have primarily focused on standalone ATM machines, which are not integrated into bank branches and are considered more vulnerable to attacks. These are ATMs that serve customers of all banks and are located in external areas of stores, gas stations, and supermarkets.
Police are investigating the activities of different groups that use two main methods. The first involves causing an explosion in the machine, either by gas injection or using an explosive device, aimed at accessing the cash cassettes. The second involves detaching and stealing the entire ATM using trucks or agricultural vehicles, which are used to rip it from its installation point.
Security officials are collecting and analyzing video footage from security cameras, while simultaneously attempting to map the perpetrators’ escape routes and identify the vehicles used.
Of particular interest is the fact that the Vrilissia attack occurred almost simultaneously with the arson of three Attica Region vehicles in Marousi, with authorities examining all possibilities regarding whether there is a connection between the two incidents or if one served as a distraction for the other.
