Cigarette Vending Machines Exploded in Dorsten, Bottrop and Erfurt

Unknown individuals used explosives to destroy cigarette vending machines in several North‑German towns. In Dorsten, police reported a loud blast at 03:20 on 29 July near the Kirchweg/Lasthausener Weg; witnesses saw perpetrators flee on motorcycles toward the B58. The machine was completely destroyed and the motive remains unclear. A similar attack occurred earlier on 10 July in Holsterhausen, and an identical explosion was reported minutes later in Bottrop (03:24) on the Kämpchen, where a black car was seen speeding away.

In Erfurt, a separate incident on 27 July involved a 34‑year‑old woman and three men attempting to blow up a machine on Eislebener Straße. The woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital; one accomplice was lightly injured. Police are investigating the use of an unknown explosive, have seized cigarettes, cash and bicycles, and are appealing for witnesses via the regional tip line (0800 2361 111).