WASHINGTON — Law enforcement agencies are teaming up with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) as more people are reporting being robbed after leaving banks and ATMs.
The crime is called "bank jugging" and involves thieves targeting people they believe may be carrying large amounts of cash. These suspects often survey customers at banks, credit unions, or ATMs. They may rob them in the parking lot of the financial institutions or follow them to their next locations to rob the victim there instead.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office reports that seven dozen instances of bank jugging have been reported so far this year. More than half of those crimes were reported in June and July alone.
"These assailants are brazenly targeting bank and ATM customers, posing a significant risk to the public of both physical and financial harm," said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno.
Additionally, the FBI said at least 21 banks and ATM customers were robbed in just the first week of July. A majority of the bank juggings have taken place in Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties.
On Thursday, Prince George's County Council Member Ingrid Watson invited District 4 residents to attend a Community Matters meeting to talk about bank jugging and discuss solutions. The meeting will be held on July 31 at 7 p.m. at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts located at 15200 Annapolis Road.
"I want to urge our citizens to remain cautious, look out for each other, and stay
engaged and informed," Watson said.
Special Agent Kevin Kraout says the crews are operating strategically. Investigators have noticed that the crews of two to four armed robbers have been targeting ATMs and bank customers along Route 50. They are beginning in Anne Arundel County drive down to Prince George's County and end in DC.
Last week a police chase that started in Anne Arundel County, went through Prince George's County, and ended in a deadly crash in Southeast DC was linked to jugging. Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal E. Awad called it a regional epidemic.
Bowie banks have been hit at least five times in the last two months according to police. On Tuesday, Bowie Police Chief Dwayne Preston addressed the growing trend during a news conference.
"What I can say is that the vehicles that we know of that have been recovered, have all been recovered in the District of Columbia, but we have not identified any suspects yet. So I cannot determine if the suspects are also residents of the District of Columbia," Preston said.
Five jugging cases have been reported in Bowie since June 28 and four of those incidents happened last week, according to Preston. He says the armed robbers have taken anywhere between hundreds to thousands of dollars.
"I find it disturbing that these offenses are being committed against our hardworking residents by individuals from neighboring communities," Preston said
Residents like George Jackson said they are not only aware of the crime, trend but are taking extra precautions."I just look around. Pay attention to my surroundings and that's it," he said.
The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and keep the following safety tips in mind.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be vigilant when withdrawing or depositing money from a bank or ATM.
- Look around for anyone who appears suspicious or is loitering in the area.
- Pay attention to individuals backed into parking spaces who do not exit their vehicles to conduct business.
- Don't leave your car or the building if you observe suspicious vehicles in the parking lot or parked nearby.
- Report any suspicious activities immediately.
- Conceal Your Cash: When leaving the bank, ensure your cash is not visible. Place it in a secure, inconspicuous location, such as a pocket or a bag.
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