Authorities across the country are urging shoppers to remain vigilant as the holiday season approaches, with a growing concern over the surge in a crime trend known as ‘jugging.’ This trend involves thieves targeting shoppers carrying large sums of cash and high-value gifts, often following them from ATMs, banks, or stores to steal their money or items. Law enforcement, including the FBI, is noting a spike in these incidents during the holidays, as victims are seen walking around with large sums of cash and expensive gifts.
Retired NYPD officer Bill Stanton has spoken about the term ‘jugging,’ stating it’s a slang term for crimes of opportunity, likening it to predators waiting near a watering hole. He warned that criminals are increasingly targeting individuals who may appear distracted or unaware of their surroundings. Recent incidents, such as the November 10 robbery of a 70-year-old man in Houston, and a similar case in April, underscore the rising threat. The Houston Police Department reported that the suspect shot the victim after forcing him to withdraw cash from an ATM at a Walmart parking lot, leaving the man in critical condition.
Other similar incidents included a robbery at a Wells Fargo Bank ATM, where a suspect followed a victim to a car wash and brandished a firearm, leading to a dramatic escape on foot. Another incident captured on surveillance video showed two suspects breaking into a car after following the victim from a Chase Bank ATM, stealing a large cash envelope. These cases are indicative of the growing trend of ‘jugging’ and have drawn attention from federal agencies like the Department of Justice, which recently sentenced a Houston man, Johnny Juwan Clark, to 120 months in prison for his involvement in such crimes. Clark was part of a criminal organization known as the ‘Hiram Clarke Money Team,’ which was involved in a multi-steps heist at an ATM in Midlothian, Texas, stealing over $248,000 from a technician.
The Department of Justice highlighted the group’s actions, including the use of the stolen money to purchase luxury items. Clark’s attorney and the Houston Police Department did not immediately respond to inquiries about the case. Stanton, in his commentary, emphasized that the criminal motivation is often tied to economic factors, with the holidays presenting a prime opportunity for such heists. He urged the public to take precautions, suggesting they should avoid making their presence obvious, vary their banking habits, and keep cash secure. Authorities are also advising shoppers to remain alert, avoiding situations that might make them appear careless or distracted during their shopping trips. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of becoming a target and enhance personal safety during an already busy and potentially dangerous season.