As the holiday season swiftly approaches, law enforcement agencies across the United States are issuing warnings to the public about a spike in a particular crime known as 'jugging.' This term refers to a scenario where thieves target individuals who have just withdrawn cash from ATMs, banks, or stores, following them until an opportune moment arises to commit theft.
The FBI has elucidated the concept of 'jugging' in a July 2024 statement, indicating that suspects often rob their targets directly after a bank withdrawal or track them to a subsequent location. According to Trending Politics, such crimes tend to escalate during the holiday seasons, with people more likely to carry significant amounts of cash or expensive gifts.
Retired NYPD officer Bill Stanton shared insights with Fox News, likening 'jugging' to a "slang term for crimes of opportunity." He drew an analogy to predators at a watering hole, observing an ATM or similar machine as the modern urban equivalent where criminals lay in wait for their victims.
Incidents of 'jugging' have been reported in multiple states. For instance, in Texas, two individuals identified as Keshawne Shamar Jones and Kedarion Meeks were apprehended for stealing an envelope containing cash from a person who was occupied at a gas station. The victim had just left a bank, and the suspects, who had been trailing them, took advantage of the moment the victim was distracted. The Round Rock Police charged the duo with theft, and under House Bill 1902, such a crime has been elevated to a felony status, potentially leading to life imprisonment.
A recent case in Garland, Texas, was captured on video and shared on social media. Two suspects were seen following a bank customer and stealing an envelope of cash from an unlocked car. The Oklahoma City Police also reported on the crime trend, releasing a video from a sting operation that led to multiple arrests and offered safety advice, such as concealing cash and remaining vigilant when leaving financial institutions.
Stanton emphasized the importance of not appearing as an easy target to potential criminals, warning that it is not a matter of 'if' but 'when' someone may become a victim if they are not careful. His advice underscores a broader message from law enforcement: the need for heightened awareness and protective measures during the holiday season, when 'jugging' incidents are more prevalent.
