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Man steals forgotten money from the ATM – court hands out clear punishment!
An elderly man forgets money at the ATM; another takes advantage of the opportunity. Judgment against the perpetrator shows legal consequences.
Man steals forgotten money from the ATM – court hands out clear punishment!
On June 16, 2025, an incident occurred in Brandenburg that raised not only legal but also moral questions. An elderly man forgot to take 390 euros with him when withdrawing cash from an ATM. This forgotten sum was used by another man who promptly took the money as if it were his own.
This act did not go unnoticed. Thanks to the **video surveillance** at the ATM, the perpetrator was quickly identified. It turned out that the 52-year-old defendant already had a long list of previous convictions, including numerous property crimes and even a prison sentence for extortion. During his probation he was able to free himself from alcohol and drugs, but what about his moral principles?
The legal consequences
The perpetrator, who said he had kept the money at home for two months while waiting for a finder's fee, was brought to justice before the criminal judge at the Prenzlau district court. The public prosecutor's office brought charges of embezzlement. The defendant confessed to his crime and admitted that he ultimately used the money to repair his car. This happened despite a young man returning the forgotten money to its rightful owner.
The video recordings not only confirmed the withdrawal of money, but also showed that the elderly man withdrew money again from another ATM shortly afterwards, but did not take it out. This raises the question: How often do such incidents occur and what role does video surveillance play?
Video surveillance in public spaces
The basic legal provisions for video surveillance have been regulated by the **General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)** since May 2018, but there are no specific regulations for monitoring ATMs. The need to balance personal rights and the interest in surveillance is essential. A ruling by the European Court of Justice states that video surveillance of public spaces is legally subject to data protection. Ferner-Alsdorf clarifies that surveillance in public areas is only permitted under certain conditions.
The challenge often lies in communication: companies have to inform those affected about video surveillance, for example through visible signs. While the legal framework is clear, dealing with private video surveillance often remains a gray area. Private recordings, such as those of neighbors, can quickly lead to legal disputes if personal rights are ignored. Catalog of fines reminds that illegal surveillance can lead to bans on the use of evidence.
The court's decision to sentence the defendant to a fine of 1,800 euros - which corresponds to 60 daily rates of 30 euros each - and to confiscate the debt amount of 390 euros was based on his expressions of remorse and the fact of the momentary failure. This case shows how important the balance between legal and moral aspects is in everyday life.
It remains to be seen how such incidents will be handled in the future and whether society can develop a better understanding of responsibility and ethics.