The FBI’s JUGGING Warning, A Disturbing New Crime In Louisiana
The holiday season is a time for families across Louisiana to come together, but it’s also a time when crime tends to rise.
As people focus on holiday shopping, festive gatherings, and travel, criminals often see this as an opportunity to take advantage of distracted individuals and unprotected homes.
From car break-ins to package thefts and scams, the season can bring out those looking for easy targets.
Now the FBI is warning bank customers in Louisiana and nationwide about a trend of crimes referred to as 'jugging'.
Groups are camping out at various banks and ATMs, waiting for their ideal victim to target.
What is Jugging?
The term 'jugging' is derived from criminals who target people with 'jugs' such as an expensive piece of jewelry or a large amount of money pulled from an ATM. Criminals hang out in bank parking lots or outside high-end stores, and once they identify their victims, they rob them at gunpoint.
"Jugging" is a growing crime trend that has become a serious concern, especially during busy times like the holiday season.
This tactic involves criminals watching people as they withdraw cash from ATMs, banks, or stores, and then following them to their next location to steal the money. In many cases, the thief waits until the victim is distracted by loading groceries or leaving their car unlocked before making their move.
They don't rob the victim right away. Criminals typically follow their victims for several days or weeks to learn their daily routine.
The hope is that they find a frequent stop at a bank on their victim's way home. If you do something every day or even just weekly, you become more comfortable and let your guard down making you a key target for 'jugging'.
If you ever feel like you are being followed or in danger, drive to your nearest police department or call 911. It's always better to be extra cautions.
FBI Issues Urgent Warning After Seeing Increase In Jugging
The first week of July, the FBI was notified of at least 21 'jugging' related crimes, and close to 80 reports in June and July combined.
In most of these cases, the suspects only need 15-30 seconds to get what they want, and then they disappear and always act in groups to insight fear and intimidation in the victim.
In Texas, surveillance footage shows a hugging victim who was followed from an ATM she stopped at to a gas station where "the suspect jumped out, smashed her window, jumped through it, grabbed her bag, and left within seconds."
What to Look Out for?
- Vehicles loitering in bank parking lots
- Vehicles backed into spaces
- If you frequent ATMs or Banks, make sure no one is following you
- Be aware of your surroundings in busy shopping centers, even in the middle of the day
- Trust your gut. Don't leave your car if you notice suspicious vehicles nearby
- Avoid regular patterns, especially when conducting business at a bank
- Don't appear distracted by your cell phone. If criminals sense your guard is down, you become an easy target.
During the holidays, when many people are shopping or withdrawing large sums for gifts, Louisiana residents should stay alert.
Always be aware of your surroundings, conceal your cash, and avoid making stops immediately after a withdrawal to reduce the risk of being targeted.
