.png)
'Bank Jugging' is when a robber targets people outside of banks, credit unions or ATMs.
WASHINGTON — Law enforcement agencies are teaming up with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) as more people are reporting being robbed after leaving banks and ATMs.
The crime is called "bank jugging" and involves thieves targeting people they believe may be carrying large amounts of cash. These suspects often survey customers at banks, credit unions, or ATMs. They may rob them in the parking lot of the financial institutions or follow them to their next locations to rob the victim there instead.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office reports that seven dozen instances of bank jugging have been reported so far this year. More than half of those crimes were reported in June and July alone.
"These assailants are brazenly targeting bank and ATM customers, posing a significant risk to the public of both physical and financial harm," said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno.
Additionally, the FBI said at least 21 banks and ATM customers were robbed in just the first week of July. A majority of the bank juggings have taken place in Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties.
Bowie Police Chief Dwayne A. Preston has been vocal about the rise in bank jugging cases his department has seen lately.
"I find it disturbing that these offenses are being committed against our hardworking residents by individuals from neighboring communities," Preston said
Five jugging cases have been reported in Bowie since June 28 and four of those incidents happened last week, according to Preston. He says the armed robbers have taken anywhere between hundreds to thousands of dollars.
On Thursday, Prince George's County Council Member Ingrid Watson invited District 4 residents to attend a Community Matters meeting to talk about bank jugging and discuss solutions. The meeting will be held on July 31 at 7 p.m. at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts located at 15200 Annapolis Road.
"I want to urge our citizens to remain cautious, look out for each other, and stay
engaged and informed," Watson said.
The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and keep the following safety tips in mind.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be vigilant when withdrawing or depositing money from a bank or ATM.
- Look around for anyone who appears suspicious or is loitering in the area.
- Pay attention to individuals backed into parking spaces who do not exit their vehicles to conduct business.
- Don't leave your car or the building if you observe suspicious vehicles in the parking lot or parked nearby.
- Report any suspicious activities immediately.
- Conceal Your Cash: When leaving the bank, ensure your cash is not visible. Place it in a secure, inconspicuous location, such as a pocket or a bag.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.
English (US) ·