PLANO, Texas — Editor's Note: The video above was sent out by the Plano Police Department as an example of jugging, and the department had no additional details on that incident from Jan. 13, 2023.
Plano has been dealing with an influx of jugging incidents, according to police officials.
In 2022, the Plano Police Department said there were 48 instances of bank jugging reported in the city. With all of the reports combined, officials said victims lost about $505,000 in cash.
'Bank jugging' is a term used to describe suspects who watch customers at banks and then follow those people they believe are in possession of cash.
Plano police say the suspects commonly look for an opportunity to burglarize the victim’s vehicle and steal the money if left unattended. They may even rob the victim, taking the money by force.
In a Facebook post discussing this issue, the Plano Police Department shared some surveillance video from Jan. 13, 2023, showing a suspect jugging from someone's car.
Officials said these are the things to be aware of while at the bank:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Never openly carry bank bags, envelopes or coin boxes.
- Watch for occupied vehicles backed into parking spaces with a clear view of the front doors of the bank.
- Vehicles with dark tinted windows with little or no visibility of the occupants.
- Vehicles with no front license plate.
- Vehicles arriving at the bank with no occupants entering the bank.
- Some juggers will stand near the front doors or go inside of the bank to watch customers while on the phone with someone in a vehicle outside.
- If you see suspicious activity at a bank, call the police.
Officials said these are the things to be aware of when leaving the bank:
- Conceal any cash prior to leaving bank.
- Lock your doors when you get in the car.
- Juggers will follow the potential victim out of the parking lot. They may use more than one vehicle.
- Switch up your route (make several turns).
- Do not leave cash in your car
If you think you are being watched or followed, officials say to take these precautions:
- Drive to a police station.
- Call 911,
- Do not drive home.