Bank Jugging
Bank Jugging is when a suspect or suspects observe bank/credit union customers entering and exiting the branch, using the drive-thru or accessing the ATM. The suspect(s) then follow the customers they believe are in possession of large amounts of cash and look for an opportunity to burglarize their vehicles or rob them directly.
Are you a Target?
"Juggers" most frequently target customers carrying bank bags, bank envelopes and/or money boxes. Most Burglary of Motor Vehicle "juggings" occur at a retail or commercial business after the customer leaves the bank. If a customer leaves the bank and does not leave their money unattended in the vehicle most "juggers" will go back to the bank to target another banking customer. Some "juggers" will confront the customer & attempt to rob them by taking the money by force.
Local authorities recommend the following in order to stay safe and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of Bank Jugging:
- Be on the lookout for individuals backed into parking spaces, who do not exit their vehicle to conduct business.
- Be vigilant when using ATMs, as they typically target individuals using ATMs. Also, individuals leaving the branch should exercise caution as they could also be targeted.
- Be vigilant when arriving and departing. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave your car or the building if you observe suspicious vehicles parked in or around the parking lot.
- Conceal your money before you leave the bank/credit union.
- Don't openly carry bank bags, envelopes or coin boxes.
- Be aware of vehicles arriving at the bank with no one entering the bank.
- Be aware of vehicles changing parking spaces.
- Be aware of vehicles with multiple occupants and/or paper license plates.
- Watch for people following you.
- Don't leave a bank bag (hidden or not) in your car unattended.
- Make banking the last stop of your errands.
If you believe you are being targeted/followed, call 911 and keep the dispatcher on the line to describe your location, where you are headed, etc. and keep driving until a marked police car finds you.