Authorities across the country have raised alarms about a growing trend of ‘jugging’ crime during the holiday season, as thieves are increasingly targeting shoppers carrying cash and expensive gifts. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant, as the criminal activity has surged in recent months. Retired NYPD officer Bill Stanton likened the trend to predators waiting by a watering hole, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness amidst the holiday rush.
According to the FBI, the ‘jugging’ crime wave has intensified during the holiday season, with criminals following victims from ATMs or banks to steal their cash or newly purchased items. Recent incidents have highlighted the danger of leaving large sums of cash or high-value gifts exposed in public areas. One such incident occurred in Houston, where a 70-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint on Nov. 10 after withdrawing money from an ATM at a Walmart parking lot. Police reported that the suspect forced the victim to withdraw cash, then shot him after he handed over the money. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Similar incidents have been reported in Houston, including a case where a man was followed from a Wells Fargo Bank ATM to a car wash, where an unidentified suspect brandished a firearm and attempted to rob him. The suspect fled the area on foot before entering a white SUV and driving off. Another incident on April 29 showed a man being followed from a Chase Bank in Houston, where surveillance footage captured two suspects breaking both front windows of his vehicle before removing a cash envelope from the center console.
The FBI and law enforcement agencies have issued warnings about the growing threat, urging individuals to vary their banking habits and avoid predictable routines. Retired NYPD officer Bill Stanton, in an interview with Fox News Digital, stated that criminals often target victims who appear distracted or unaware of their surroundings. He emphasized that the criminal intent is not necessarily tied to the holiday season itself but rather to the increased opportunity to exploit vulnerable victims during the busy shopping period.
Recent prosecutions highlight the severity of the issue, with a Houston man recently sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his role in a ‘jugging’ robbery. Prosecutors revealed that the suspect, along with three others, forced an ATM technician to the ground and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. The stolen money was later used to purchase a luxury vehicle and jewelry. Law enforcement is working closely with the public to ensure awareness and take necessary precautions during this critical time of year.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, experts urge consumers to remain vigilant, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and be mindful of their surroundings. Authorities have issued guidance, including avoiding predictable routines, concealing cash, and taking necessary steps to protect personal safety. With the combination of seasonal spending and the increased chances of encountering opportunistic criminals, experts emphasize the importance of staying alert to prevent becoming a target for these increasingly brazen crimes.