Thieves made 35 attempts to break open cash point machines with explosives or by driving cars at them in the first three months of this year, the Dutch Banking Association says.

This is double the total in the first three months of 2012. And in April this year alone, 20 attacks took place, signalling a further increase.

While not all attacks are successful, criminals continue to use the method because the chance of getting caught is relatively low, a spokesman told Radio 1 news.

ABN Amro is currently placing special cameras next to cashpoint machines which start recording as soon as efforts are made to force them open, news agency ANP said.