In total, 137 Dutch nationals were arrested last year because they were thought to have been involved in blowing up ATMs, according to police figures.

In total they are suspected of causing 367 explosions at cash points, all but eight of which were in Germany.

The gangs are thought to have moved into Germany because of measures taken in the Netherlands to better protect ATMs. In some cases, for example, bank notes are automatically glued together in a blast.

There was, however, a significant drop in the number of explosions carried out by Dutch gangs last year in Germany, and this is down to improved cooperation between the two countries’ police forces, officials said.

In the first three months of this year, 56 ATMs were blown up by suspected Dutch gangs operating over the border, more than half the 2023 figure.

Sixteen Dutch nationals go on trial in Germany this week in connection with 90 different explosions which netted the gang some €7 million.