Police Warn Public of Surge in 'Jugging'

Have you ever felt uneasy after withdrawing cash from your bank’s ATM? Or even after visiting a teller inside the bank for a withdrawal?

Sure, we all know it’s wise to be aware of our surroundings, hide our PIN numbers, and avoid withdrawing large sums. But now, a growing crime trend known as “jugging” or “bank jugging” targets individuals right after they leave financial institutions, making every trip to the bank a potential risk. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your hard-earned money.

What Is Jugging?

Jugging is a term used to describe a criminal activity in which individuals loiter around banks, ATMs, or other check-cashing establishments to observe customers who are withdrawing cash. These criminals patiently track their target and wait for the opportune moment to commit a theft or robbery. Individuals need to remain vigilant both during and after the cash withdrawal process, especially when transitioning to other locations, as this is when targets are most vulnerable to potential jugging incidents.

A Nationwide Concern

While Texas has seen a significant spike in jugging incidents, with Austin Police saying more than $500,000 was lost in 2022 alone, this crime of opportunity is not isolated to the Lone Star State.

Officials in Florida said a man was caught on video smashing a car window and grabbing an envelope of cash. Police say it’s possible he followed the vehicle from a Bank of America and waited until the driver was inside a restaurant to strike.

Another notable case of the crime was in Fairfax, Virginia. Three criminals targeted someone who had made a $10,000 withdrawal from the bank. They followed the victim to a local shopping center and waited until the target exited the car to smash and grab the money. Authorities believe there have likely been more victims targeted by this particular group.

Authorities are warning that bank jugging is on the rise, with perpetrators lingering at banks, eavesdropping on conversations, and then targeting individuals who withrdaw significant sums.

What Is the Punishment for Jugging?

While “jugging” is not currently defined by the law, a person accused of bank jugging may be charged with a theft offense, such as robbery or burglary of motor vehicles.

In Texas, if a person is convicted of robbing a bank patron, they could face a prison sentence of two to 20 years, along with a fine of up to $10,000. This is considered a second-degree felony. If the person used a weapon during the robbery, it would be classified as a first-degree felony, carrying a prison term of up to 99 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

If the jugging takes place in a motor vehicle, it would be considered burglary of a vehicle, which is a class A misdemeanor. If convicted of this offense, a person could be sentenced to up to one year in jail and fined up to $4,000.

Protecting Yourself

How can you avoid falling victim to this disturbing trend? Law enforcement agencies offer several tips to protect yourself the next time you withdraw cash:
1. Take note of anyone who is hanging around in the lobby of the bank or parking lot that does not appear to be immediately occupied.
2. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted while visiting a financial institution: don’t be on your phone or don’t wear earbuds.
3. Notice any vehicles that may follow you out of the parking lot to ensure you are not being followed.
4. After receiving cash, secure it in a different bag before you leave the counter; use a briefcase or a purse, rather than the standard zipper cash bag or envelope.
5. Lock your car doors when you get into your vehicle.
6. Do not leave large amounts of money inside your vehicle.
7. If you believe you’re being followed for any length of time upon leaving a financial institution, call 911 or drive to the nearest police station or fire/EMS station.
8. Speak with bank security to see if they can help you with large withdrawals or if they have any safety suggestions for withdrawing a significant amount of cash.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The first step to safeguarding oneself from “jugging” is to be aware of it and take steps to reduce the risk of falling victim to this new crime tactic.

Reference: What is jugging? Cash carriers need to know about this rising crime to stay safe|What is ‘Jugging’? How to keep yourself safe from this North Texas trend|Criminals stalk victims before robbing them, crime trend known as ‘jugging’| $10K stolen from victim leaving ATM in Fairfax County ‘bank jugging’| Austin Police reports more than $500K lost to ‘jugging’| What Is Bank Jugging?