National Council calls for measures against ATM blasts
Published: Thursday, Sep 12th 2024, 13:40
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The National Council is calling for stronger measures in the fight against ATM blasts. For example, the Federal Council should examine whether banknotes could be sprayed with security ink in the event of an attack.
On Thursday, the Grand Chamber passed a corresponding postulate by National Councillor Olivier Feller (FDP/VD) - by 146 votes to 36 with 9 abstentions.
The number of ATM blasts has increased in Switzerland in recent years, as it has throughout Europe. Increasingly, attacks are being carried out with the help of gas and explosives, stated motionary Feller. This poses a serious risk to people who are on site or live near the crime scene.
Stronger countermeasures are needed, said Feller. Countries such as Ireland, Belgium, France and Sweden have equipped ATMs with an anti-theft device. By spraying the banknotes with a security ink that cannot be removed, the system renders them unusable and they lose their value.
"This system is proving to be effective," said Feller. Many of the countries mentioned have seen a rapid and significant reduction in the number of attacks.
The Federal Council is against the proposal. Justice Minister Beat Jans referred to the nationwide monitoring of the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) and a task force that began its work in 2021.
Specific measures such as the marking of banknotes have already been evaluated several times, said Jans. "The key to successful prevention is the combination of the right measures, adapted to the respective location." Overall, enough work is already underway to combat the problem.
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