Lawmakers on Thursday "commended" a bill that will introduce electro-chemical protection at all external ATMs over the next three years, Croatia's state agency Hina reported. The new practice that means that in case of a burglary, banknotes will be made unusable by an electro-chemical device, Hina explained.

“That system has been recognised as the most effective way to protect money and it is expected to significantly contribute to reducing crime,” the State Secretary at the Interior Ministry, Zarko Katic, said presenting the bill in Parliament.

“This is a good bill as far as the security aspect is concerned,” said MP Boris Lalovac (SDP).

MPs Zeljko Sacic (Sovereignists) and Marija Selak-Raspudic (Most) “commended” any steps taken towards securing property.

Even greater protection against ATM theft would be ensured if ATMs were clearly marked with warnings, said Selak-Raspudic. Hina did not clarify what threats Selak-Raspudic was referring to.

MP Josip Begonja (HDZ) said that “there is no doubt that it is necessary to further reduce the risk of crime” and ensure better protection “of people and assets.”

Over the past few years, robberies of ATMs increased. In 2018 there were 18 crimes of this nature, in 2019 there were 35 such cases, while in 2020 as many as 44 cases have been reported.