Explosives Used in ATM Robbery in Getafe Sparks Investigation
Early Saturday morning, a group of hooded individuals carried out a bold robbery at a BBVA branch in Getafe, using explosives to blast open an ATM. Madrid Police Headquarters confirmed the incident to Europa Press, noting the attack occurred around 5:15 am on Avenida de España.
Witnesses described four or five suspects arriving in two large vehicles. They transported the cash stash in boxes and promptly fled the scene, most likely before first responders could set up containment. Within five minutes, patrol units from the Madrid National Police were at the bankside and began an exhaustive search for the assailants, but the suspects were no longer visible.
A veteran investigator from the force, a specialist in complex robberies and unusual cases, took charge of the inquiry. At the time of reporting, no arrests had been made and the exact amount stolen remained undisclosed.
The blast damaged the building and sent shock waves through the Getafe neighborhood, disturbing residents as they woke to the sounds of the explosion. Some locals reported that a homeless person had been resting inside the ATM area, but he was unharmed in the incident.
The use of explosives to loot ATMs is not unheard of in the region. Similar operations have occurred in nearby towns such as Tres Cantos a year earlier, with other cases previously noted in Alcobendas, Alcalá de Henares, Las Rozas and across several Madrid districts including Ensanche de Vallecas and La Elipa. In those events, gunshots or loud disturbances were often followed by glimpses of money spilled onto streets, which neighbors quickly secured or retrieved.
Investigators are examining security footage, vehicle descriptions, and potential patterns tied to past incidents to determine whether this operation is part of a larger, coordinated scheme. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and avoid approaching any suspicious groups encountered near financial facilities.
As the investigation progresses, detectives will work to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds if possible. Community safety teams have increased patrols in the area as a precaution while investigators piece together the sequence of events that led to the daring break-in.