Dramatic ATM explosion in Kirchdorf: perpetrator caught!

Dramatic ATM explosion in Kirchdorf: perpetrator caught!

A loud bang in the middle of the night disturbed the peace in Kirchdorf an der Amper on January 14, 2025. At 3:20 a.m., unknown people blew up an ATM at the Sparkasse Freising-Moosburg, waking residents from their sleep. The explosion was so violent that debris flew onto the sidewalk and the parking lot of the adjacent Netto market was significantly damaged. Witnesses reported frightening noises piercing the night and described the explosion as extremely loud. A nearby power distribution box was also badly affected.

After the crime, the perpetrators disappeared in a dark car, probably an Audi, towards the A9 motorway. They managed to steal a five-figure sum of money, while the property damage far exceeded the hundred thousand euro mark. The fire brigade and police were quickly on site to assess the damage, while technicians from the energy supplier stabilized the situation.

Investigations and arrests

As a result, the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) took over the investigation and planned detailed examinations of the explosives at the Forensic Institute in Munich. On July 15, 2025, significant progress occurred: in cooperation with Dutch judicial and police authorities, two suspects were arrested, including a 34-year-old Dutch/Moroccan national and a 22-year-old Dutch citizen. Both were arrested in Utrecht and Woerden.

The charges against the two men include aggravated gang theft and causing an explosive explosion. Searches at the crime scenes uncovered significant evidence, including clothing and cash, that could be linked to the crime. Those arrested will now be brought before a judge in the Netherlands, while the Munich I public prosecutor's office has already requested extradition to Germany. Investigations are currently underway to determine whether the suspects can be charged with other crimes.

A national problem

The vending machine explosions are not just a local, but a supra-regional problem that affects almost all DACH countries. As a current evaluation shows, a total of 50 vending machine explosions were registered in Germany between May 2024 and January 2025. These incidents were spread across 30 cities and towns, with most explosions occurring near highways and borders. The numbers are also alarming in Switzerland and Austria: a total of 18 explosions were documented in Switzerland and 12 in Austria. The perpetrators' tactics are particularly striking, as they often concentrate on rural and border regions in order to enable quick escapes abroad.

Investigating this particular type of crime presents the authorities with major challenges as they have to operate across borders. An important signal has already been set in Kirchdorf by making progress in clarification through international cooperation. Witnesses who saw suspicious people or vehicles that night are still called upon to come forward. Information can be received at the LKA on 089/1212-0 or at any police station.

This shocking episode in Kirchdorf an der Amper shows once again that the issue of vending machine explosions represents a serious threat to many communities. However, thanks to the rapid response of the authorities and international cooperation, there are reasons to hope that the matter will be resolved soon.

For further details about the explosion and the investigation, read the reports from Bavaria Police and Mercury, as well as the comprehensive analysis Net trends.