INDIANA – A concerning new crime trend, known as jugging, is on the rise across the country, including parts of the Midwest, and local authorities are urging residents to be aware and take precautions.
According to the FBI, despite its unusual name, jugging has nothing to do with music or moonshine; it’s a severe form of robbery targeting individuals after they’ve handled cash.
Jugging refers to a type of robbery where criminals stake out locations like banks, ATMs, or even retail stores, specifically looking for individuals who withdraw or handle large amounts of cash. Once a target is identified, the perpetrators will either confront and rob them directly in the parking lot or discreetly follow them to their next destination before committing the robbery.
The term jugging reportedly originates from the idea that victims are perceived as carrying a jug of money after a significant withdrawal.
FBI Safety Tips to Protect Yourself
To help the public avoid becoming victims of this increasingly prevalent crime, the FBI offers several crucial safety tips:
- Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings when visiting a bank or ATM. Trust your instincts – if something feels suspicious, it’s likely to be so.
- Keep Cash Out of Sight: Avoid displaying large sums of cash. Never count money in public, and ensure any envelopes containing cash are not visible in your vehicle or on your person.
- Vary Your Routine: Change the times and days you visit banks or ATMs to avoid predictability that could be exploited by criminals.
- If You’re Being Followed: Do not drive home if you suspect you are being followed. Instead, drive immediately to a police station or a well-lit, busy public area.
- Minimize Distractions: Put your phone down and remain focused on your surroundings until you have safely departed the bank or ATM area.
Local law enforcement agencies echo these warnings and encourage anyone who observes suspicious activity around banks or ATMs to report it immediately. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to the FBI.
By understanding this new threat and implementing these simple safety measures, residents can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to jugging.
