You run a quick errand to the bank, withdraw some cash for a contractor or a trip, and head home. You feel safe because you are in your own car, in your own neighborhood. But a rising crime trend called “jugging” is turning that sense of safety into a vulnerability.
Jugging occurs when thieves sit in bank or ATM parking lots, watching for customers who withdraw cash. They don’t rob you there; they follow you to your next destination—usually your home—to strike when your guard is down. Police across the country are issuing warnings. Here are the six signs you need to watch for the moment you leave the teller window.
1. Loitering Cars with Tinted Windows
Juggers typically work in teams. They sit in cars positioned to have a clear view of the bank exit or the ATM. They often use rental cars with dark tinted windows so you can’t see how many people are inside.
If you see a car backed into a parking spot, engine running, but no one getting out to use the bank, be on high alert. They are looking for envelopes, bank bags, or people counting cash. If you feel watched, do not leave the parking lot.
2. Someone Watching the Exit on a Phone
Sometimes a spotter stands outside the bank pretending to be on a call. In reality, they are communicating with a driver in the parking lot. They describe your clothing, your car, and where you put the money.
Pay attention to people who seem to be lingering near the doors without entering. If someone makes eye contact with you and then immediately speaks into a phone or headset, they might be marking you as a target.
3. A Car Following Your Turns
This is the most critical sign. As you drive away, check your rearview mirror. Is the same car behind you after two or three turns? Juggers will follow you for miles, waiting for you to stop.
To test this, make four right turns (essentially driving in a circle) or take a route that doesn’t make sense. If they are still there, you are being followed. Do not go home. Drive directly to a police station or a crowded fire station.
4. The “Bump and Rob” Tactic
Some aggressive crews will intentionally cause a minor fender bender to get you to stop your car. They might tap your bumper at a stop sign. When you get out to inspect the damage, they jump into your car to grab the cash bag or rob you directly.
If you are bumped shortly after leaving a bank with cash, stay inside your car with the doors locked. Call 911 immediately and tell them you suspect a robbery setup. Do not exit the vehicle.
5. A Flat Tire Shortly After Leaving
Another tactic involves puncturing your tire while you are inside the bank. You drive away, your tire pressure light comes on, and you pull over to fix it. This leaves you distracted and vulnerable on the side of the road.
If you get a flat tire immediately after a bank visit, do not stop in a secluded area. Drive on the rim if you have to until you reach a busy gas station or public area. Keep your doors locked while you call for help.
6. Someone Approaching Your Driveway Immediately
The most dangerous moment is when you arrive home. Juggers often rush the victim as they exit their car in the driveway. If a car pulls up aggressively behind you as you park, or if someone runs up the lawn toward you, get back in your car and lock it instantly.
Lay on the horn to attract attention. Do not try to fight them for the money. Throw the money away from you if forced, but prioritize getting behind a locked barrier.
Stay Vigilant
The best defense against jugging is awareness. Conceal your cash before you leave the bank counter. Don’t carry bank bags that advertise what you are holding. And mostly, keep your head on a swivel until you are safely locked inside.
Do you check your mirrors when leaving the bank, or do you just zone out? Let us know your safety habits in the comments!
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The post Police Warn: 6 Signs “Jugging” Thieves Followed You Home from the Bank appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
