Bank Jugging Crimes on the Rise

A disturbing crime trend known as "bank jugging" has surged across the U.S. in 2024. The term "jugging" is criminal slang and was initially associated with thieves targeting containers or "jugs" of valuable items, such as money or jewelry. The "jug" metaphorically refers to money or valuables that criminals observe victims withdrawing. The act of "jugging" describes the process of selecting a target, stalking them, and striking when they are most vulnerable.

The modus operandi of bank jugging is deceptively simple. Perpetrators loiter near banks, ATMs, check cashing services, or other financial institutions, scanning for customers withdrawing substantial sums. Once a target is identified, the criminals discreetly follow them to a secondary location, i.e., a parking lot, home, or business, where they ambush and rob the victim of their cash.

Jugging is a crime of opportunity, as victims are selected based on visible clues such as cash in hand, bank envelopes, or cash bags. Typically, these crime trends take advantage of the behavior patterns of the potential victims - bank customers, credit union members, or visitors. However, employees that transport cash to other branch locations, to and from ATMs, or to other businesses are also at risk. Research suggests that these crimes accelerate during tax season and the holidays when consumers (and merchants) have more cash on them than usual or may be depositing and withdrawing large amounts of cash from the bank.

The FBI and local law enforcement agencies have reported a significant rise in these incidents in communities across the country. There were 80 reported jugging incidents in Maryland during the first half of 2024, with 21 of those occurring in the first week of July alone. Some cases involve elaborate schemes, such as slashing victims' tires to disable their vehicles before launching an attack. These crimes can be very lucrative for those who pursue them. Thieves made off with $20,000 from one woman at a jugging incident in California late last year. In some cases, organized crime gangs are damaging ATMs to cause a bank to dispatch a technician to repair the machine. In August, gang members from the Houston, Texas, area drove to O'Fallon, Missouri, tampered with an ATM, and then waited for the service technician to arrive. Holding the repairman at gunpoint, the thieves took the money cassette containing $94,370 from the ATM and fled (they were later apprehended).

What proactive measures can financial institutions take to mitigate these risks?

Install security cameras on both sides of an ATM, pointing toward the cash dispenser, and at customers entering or exiting the machine.
Have more than adequate lighting in parking lots and at ATMs and ATM vestibules. The brighter, the better!
Make sure that your staff is trained in how to recognize suspicious activity. They should be able to identify people who may be casing the ATM or trying to obtain information about it.
Remind your customers and employees to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of falling victim to bank jugging:

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Remain vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Use ATMs in well-lit places and scan your surroundings for suspicious individuals loitering nearby or vehicles that seem out of place.
Avoid Patterns: Criminals often observe routines. Vary your banking habits, such as the time of day you visit the bank or the routes you take after making withdrawals.
Secure Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables, including cash, are out of sight. Park in well-lit areas with high visibility to deter potential thieves.
Conceal money before leaving the bank. Never openly carry bank bags, envelopes, or coin boxes.
Avoid Distractions: Have your keys in hand and don't use your phone until you're in a safe place.
Report Suspicious Behavior: If you notice individuals behaving suspiciously around bank premises or ATMs, alert bank staff or law enforcement immediately.
Feel like you're being followed? Immediately call 911 or pull into your nearest police station.

There is no silver bullet to guarantee the security of bank customers and staff, but education and heightened awareness can be key elements to protecting your staff and customers.