As the tax season hits its stride, North Texas police are alerting the public to an uptick in "jugging," a term describing thieves targeting individuals leaving banks or ATMs with significant sums of money. According to FOX 4 News, these crimes have not been linked to any one perpetrator but showcase a concerning pattern where victims, often carrying cash, are followed and robbed.
Law enforcement agencies are amplifying their warnings in light of several recent jugging incidents, with one case resulting in the shooting of a 24-year-old man in a North Richland Hills parking lot. The victim, who was shot in the shoulder and the leg, had just come from an area known to have multiple banks and ATMs, as described by FOX 4 News. The police remind the public to be conscious of others who appear to be lurking in bank lobbies or parking lots suspiciously.
Authorities in Arlington took to social media to heighten awareness. "As we move into the heart of tax season and folks start cashing their refund checks or withdrawing refund money from their bank accounts, we want to remind the public to stay vigilant!" the Arlington Police Department wrote in a Facebook post, according to NewsNation. Steps to avoid falling victim to these crimes include being observant of your surroundings and refraining from displaying cash publicly.
Home surveillance has assisted in some investigations. In mid-March, cameras caught suspects following a victim from a bank into their driveway in Watauga. Following the incident, which involved an armed confrontation, police were able to arrest two suspects who remained at large. As advised by financial institutions, strategies to prevent jugging include not being distracted by phones or earbuds, locking car doors immediately upon entering, and driving to the nearest police station if you suspect you are being followed.
This type of crime is not restricted to Texas alone, with reports coming from various states across the country. Notably, a woman in Riverside, California was robbed of $20,000, and another in Virginia Beach lost $33,000 after they both withdrew money from their banks, as reported by Inside Edition via NewsNation. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers associated with carrying large amounts of cash, particularly during tax season when many individuals are likely to do so.
