Following a recent vehicle burglary in Kissimmee, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office announced that two men have been arrested and charged with alleged involvement in a "bank jugging" scheme. Jose Pena-Silva, 36, and Daniel Alejandro Campuzano-Moreno, 28, are facing burglary and criminal mischief charges after an incident last Friday at The Crosslands Shopping Center, WFTV reported.
The suspects allegedly targeted a victim who had made a large withdrawal from the bank and subsequently broke into the victim's car, shattering a back window and deflating a tire. Details gathered from PositivelyOsceola reveal, in their operation, criminals observe bank customers, follow victims believed to have withdrawn significant sums, and strike when an opportunity presents itself, such as a moment of distraction or when the victim leaves their vehicle unattended, and this is indicative of the growing nationwide trend of "bank jugging."
According to information provided by FOX 35 Orlando, deputies, employing unmarked cars and a helicopter, were able to discreetly follow the suspects' vehicle, a black Hyundai spotted by witnesses escaping the scene until the arrest at a Bank of America in Windermere.
The Osceola Sheriff's Office has issued safety tips for the public to avoid falling prey to such schemes. They advise individuals to be vigilant of their surroundings and limit distractions like phone usage or wearing earbuds, especially in bank areas. They also suggest altering banking routines and concealing withdrawn cash. In the event of suspecting being followed, the office recommends driving to a safe location and contacting law enforcement immediately to curb the possibility of becoming a "bank jugging" victim, reported WFTV.
The sheriff's office has asked anyone with information pertaining to this case or related incidents to contact them to assist in further investigations and potentially shield the community from similar crimes.
