A group of thieves carried out an attack early Wednesday when they detonated an ATM at a BBVA branch in Tres Cantos, Madrid, according to Civil Guard sources cited by Europa Press. The incident unfolded in the pre-dawn hours, with investigators placing the furnace-like action around 4 a.m. near the bank’s office on Avenida Colmenar Viejo, number 41.
Witnesses report that the criminals slipped a powdery substance beneath the ATM, triggering an explosion that activated the machine and allowed them to remove the cash. In the scuffle that followed, several 50-euro notes scattered, evidence of a hurried exit as the robbers fled the scene. The blast also caused structural damage to the bank branch, with part of the suspended ceiling reportedly detaching as authorities arrived.
Civil Guard teams fanned out across the area to secure the site and begin a thorough investigation. At this stage, officials have not disclosed the amount of money recovered or the exact tally of the loss, but the incident has prompted a rapid response from local enforcement and reinforced patrols around financial facilities in the region.
The incident appears to align with a pattern linked to at least two earlier ATM thefts attributed to the same group. In August and October, thieves targeted ATMs in nearby locations, including Las Rozas and the La Elipa neighborhood of Madrid. In those episodes, the assailants reportedly wore hooded garments, rushed the machines, and departed quickly, often using stolen high-end vehicles. Investigators are examining whether the same crew is responsible for the Tres Cantos event, tracing vehicle records and surveillance footage to establish links between the incidents.
Security experts note that these attacks typically leverage rapid, coordinated actions designed to minimize confrontation and maximize loot within a short window of opportunity. The evolving tactic involves disabling alarms, creating a distraction, and exploiting gaps in surveillance to seize cash before law enforcement can intervene. Local authorities emphasize the importance of deterrence measures, including enhanced camera coverage, reinforced ATM housings, and swifter police response to suspicious activity near financial sites.
Residents near the BBVA branch have been advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity to police. While investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events, the case underscores a growing concern in urban centers about ATM-targeted crimes and the challenges they pose for municipal and national security agencies. The investigation remains ongoing as officers review CCTV footage, analyze forensic traces, and interview witnesses who observed the early-morning commotion and the high-speed getaway vehicles used by the suspects.
Officials reiterate that such offenses are complex to resolve, given their cross-jurisdictional potential and the need to track the movement of stolen assets across regions. The authorities urge the public not to approach any suspicious individuals or attempts to intervene, reminding residents that safe, discreet reporting can significantly aid investigators in identifying and apprehending those responsible for these brazen acts.