Three ATMs Bombed Overnight in Danish Town

Edward Walgwe

December 21, 2025
4:45 pm

Three ATMs in Brande were blown up during the night, leaving residents shocked and police searching for suspects captured on surveillance footage.

Several ATMs Destroyed Overnight

Three ATMs in the central Jutland town of Brande were severely damaged by explosions early Sunday morning. The incidents happened between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. according to local police. Several machines are now out of order, meaning residents cannot withdraw cash from them for the time being.

The explosions occurred at three different locations: Storgade 6, Storgade 36, and Jernbanegade 5. Police believe the same individuals were involved in all the attacks.

Neighbors Awakened to Destruction

The blasts caused significant damage to the building façades and nearby areas, and debris from the ATMs was scattered across the streets. One resident who works at the local Jyske Bank described the scene as “a violent sight” and noted that he learned of the damage only the next morning.

Interestingly, despite the explosions, some residents didn’t hear the blasts at the time. Others reported being startled awake by the sound during the night.

Police Search for Two Suspects

According to Duty Chief Jeppe Holgersen from the Mid and West Jutland Police, officers spent much of Sunday morning investigating the three scenes. Based on early findings, the authorities suspect two young males who were caught on surveillance cameras in the area.

Because of the similar nature of the incidents, police are treating them as connected cases of deliberate vandalism. They also confirmed that illegal fireworks, known locally as “kanonslag,” were used to blow up the machines.

In addition to the ATM explosions, a nearby car was also damaged, adding to the suspicion that the events are linked. So far, police have not reported any injuries, and it appears that no money was stolen from the machines.

Officers are now appealing to anyone who was in Brande’s town center during the early morning hours to come forward. Witnesses or anyone who noticed suspicious behavior between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. are encouraged to contact the police’s 114 hotline.

Temporary Impact on Local Banking Services

The explosions mean that several cash machines are currently inoperable, leaving residents temporarily without easy access to cash in Brande. While many Danes primarily use digital payments through cards and mobile apps, access to banks in Denmark and physical ATMs remains important for smaller towns and older residents.

For some, the limited access is more than an inconvenience, particularly during the holiday season when local shopping typically increases. Bank officials have not yet announced when the damaged machines will be replaced or repaired, but it is expected to take time due to the severity of the damage.

Growing Issues with ATM Vandalism

This incident is part of a wider problem seen across Denmark in recent years, where vandals and thieves target ATMs to either steal cash or cause destruction for thrill or protest. Police have repeatedly warned about the dangers of using illegal fireworks in such crimes because of their unpredictable power and the risk to bystanders.

Without a doubt, increased security cameras and faster police response have made it harder for such offenders to go unnoticed. However, as long as cash access points remain in towns and cities across the country, the risk of vandalism continues.

Meanwhile, the people of Brande are left with damaged streets and unusable ATMs, trying to understand the motive behind the attacks. Police said they hope the suspects seen on video will come forward or be identified soon.