(NewsNation) — The term is “bank jugging,” but it’s really just robbery: criminals following people leaving an ATM and stealing their cash. And police say jugging cases have increased during tax season as people cash their refund checks.
“Jugging is a crime of opportunity where thieves look for people leaving banks or ATMs with large sums of cash and then follow them, hoping to find an opening to steal that money,” said the Arlington, Texas Police Department in a Facebook post.
Police say it’s up to you to stay vigilant and not be careless, like the person who left cash on the driver’s seat of their car, which thieves easily snatched – all captured on security video.
Police agencies nationwide have reported dozens of bank jugging cases, some netting thieves thousands of dollars. And financial institutions have posted strategies to help you avoid becoming a jugging victim.
Top tips to prevent bank jugging
- Take note of anyone who is suspiciously hanging around in the bank lobby or parking lot.
- Try not to be distracted. Avoid being on your phone or wearing earbuds.
- Before leaving the ATM, conceal your cash in a different bag like a briefcase or purse.
- If you’re withdrawing a lot of cash, bring someone along with you.
- Immediately lock your car doors when you get into your vehicle.
- Don’t leave large amounts of money inside your vehicle.
- Notice if any vehicles follow you out of the parking lot.
- If you believe you are being followed, call 911 or drive to the nearest police station or fire/EMS station.