What is Bank Jugging? Avoid Becoming a Victim

Bank jugging is a tactic where thieves target individuals who they believe have just withdrawn a large sum of money from a bank, credit union, check cashing store or ATM. These criminals, known as "jugglers," profile or observe potential victims after they’ve made a withdrawal. Then they rob them in the parking lot or follow them to their next destination, hoping for an isolated location. Once the victim arrives at a less secure area, such as their home, job, or another stop, the juggler seizes the opportunity to steal the money, often through a vehicle break-in or directly confronting the victim.

Robber Jugging Victim

How Are Women Targeted?

While anyone can be a victim of bank jugging, women are often targeted for several reasons:

1. Perceived Vulnerability: Criminals may perceive women as easier targets, assuming they are less likely to fight back, easier to overcome or may be more distracted while managing other tasks, such as caring for children.

2. Routine Visibility: Many women might frequent banks during predictable times, such as on their lunch hour, making it easier for jugglers to anticipate and follow their movements.

3. Less Awareness: Jugglers may exploit the fact that women are often socialized to be polite and less confrontational, potentially making them less likely to notice or react to being followed.

Our friend Susan was targeted after the left her bank. The juggler walked directly up to Susan as though he knew her, smiled, and said, “Hi! How are you today?” Then he pushed her to the ground and took off with her purse.

Incidents and Statistics

• Houston, Texas: In 2019, Houston police reported a 20% increase in bank jugging incidents. Women comprised nearly 60% of the victims, with many cases involving single women who were followed from the bank to their homes or workplaces.

• Austin, Texas: Between January and October 2020, Austin saw over 150 bank jugging cases. In one notable incident, a woman was followed from a bank to a grocery store parking lot, where her car window was smashed, and $5,000 was stolen.

• Los Angeles, California: A 2021 report highlighted a rise in bank jugging incidents targeting women. One incident involved a woman who was followed from a bank to a gas station, where she was physically confronted and robbed of $2,000.

How Can Women Keep Themselves Safe?

Using your Safety Intuition, staying aware of your surroundings and taking proactive measures are key to reducing your chances of becoming the victim of a bank jugging. Here are some strategies you can use to protect yourself:

Before Going to the Bank

1. Plan Ahead: If possible, avoid withdrawing large sums of money. Use online transactions or checks for significant payments.

2. Vary Your Routine: Don’t visit the bank at the same time or on the same day each week. Changing up your routine makes it harder for criminals to predict your movements.

At the Bank

1. Be Observant: Take note of anyone loitering in or around the bank. If someone seems to be paying undue attention to you or other customers, report it to the bank staff.

2. Minimize Display: Keep your transaction discreet and out of sight. Avoid openly counting money where others can see you.

3. Use the Drive-Thru: If your bank offers drive-thru services, consider using them to minimize the risk of being followed.

After You Leave the Bank

1. Check Your Surroundings: Before leaving the bank parking lot, take a moment to scan for any vehicles that might be following you. Make a few extra turns if you suspect someone is tailing you.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Stops: Go directly to your destination after leaving the bank. Avoid making additional stops where you could be more vulnerable.

3. Secure Your Money: If you must carry a large amount of cash, conceal it in a less obvious location within your vehicle or on your person.

4. Don't Immediately Go Home: If you suspect you're being followed, drive to a public place such as a police station, fire station, or well-lit convenience store. Lay on your horn when you get there.

At Home or Work

1. Be Quick: If you need to transport money from your vehicle to your home or office, do so quickly and discreetly.

2. Stay Vigilant: Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or individuals near your property. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.

3. Use a Buddy System: If possible, have someone accompany you when making large transactions. Safety in numbers can deter potential criminals.

Additional Tips for Safety

1. Stay Connected: Let someone you trust know about your plans, especially if you are withdrawing a large sum of money. Share your expected timeline and check in with them once you're safely home or at your destination. Better yet, ask a trusted person to go with you.

2. Equip Your Car with Security Measures: Consider installing a dashcam or using apps that track your location and allow you to share it with trusted contacts in real-time.

3. Take Defensive Tools: Always carry pepper spray or some other form of defensive tool. Keep it ready to use and be mentally prepared to use it.

Bank jugging is a serious threat; you can get hurt during the robbery, losing much more than your money. By staying vigilant and adopting proactive safety measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.