Bank Jugging

kissclipart-bank-clipart"Bank jugging" or simply "jugging” refers to a scheme in which an offender or group of offenders follows bank customers suspected of having large quantities of cash as they leave banks or other financial institutions. Offenders will frequently look for individuals that enter a bank empty-handed and leave carrying bank bags or boxes - an indication that they may have made a substantial withdrawal. Offenders then follow the victim to their next location and either attempt to take the bank bag by force or break into their vehicle (if they believe money may be locked inside). Victims are often small business owners or the elderly.

To avoid becoming a victim, follow these guidelines:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see suspicious persons or vehicles in bank parking lots, notify bank personnel.
  • Conceal your bank deposit bags, coin boxes or envelopes as you enter and leave the bank.
  • Take your bank bag or envelope with you into your next destination. Don’t hide it in your vehicle.
  • Avoid falling into routines, such as going to the bank at the same time of day carrying the same bank bag.
  • After making a large withdrawals, don't go directly to your next destination. Drive around a random block to see if a vehicle is following you.

If you feel you are being followed, call 9-1-1 and drive to your closest police station.