VA: Police Warn of 'Bank Jugging' Theft in Fairfax Co. As New Trend Rises Nationwide

[appalachiablue]

- 'Fairfax County police warn of 'bank jugging' as new trend rises nationwide,' ABC7, Oct. 10, 2023. Police said thieves are waiting near banks and then following cars, hoping to steal whatever money the driver withdrew when the car stops. 💸
...
SPRINGFIELD, Va. (7News) — Fairfax County police are warning of a new national trend. They call it “bank jugging,” and authorities are seeing cases on the rise in the county.

Police told 7News the latest incident happened at the Wells Fargo on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield in the middle of the afternoon on September 15. A man withdrew $9,500 and left. "He was driving and noticed that his tire pressure was low, and so he pulled over," Fairfax County Police Department Sgt. Jonathan Epperson said.

Police said another man approached saying he had a kit to help fix the flat tire; he asked to help. The victim took him up on the offer and started fixing his car. That’s when the so-called “good Samaritan” made an excuse and left, taking the money with him. Police believe it was all a setup--and believe the suspect punctured the victim’s tire as he was inside the bank, then followed him and waited to pounce. Investigators call these crimes “bank jugging.”

"People are just hanging out at banks, and they see someone leaving a bank with an envelope or a backpack and they’re just hoping that something is in there, and hopefully when they follow that person, they can score big," Epperson said. Similar incidents in Dallas were captured on video. Suspects pulled guns on victims, smashed their car windows, and ran away with envelopes of cash.

Fairfax County police are investigating at least 10 incidents that occurred in the county since April, and they believe numerous suspects are responsible. Officers tell 7News they are now working closely with banks and warning residents to be vigilant. "Be aware of their surroundings, make sure you’re using caution whenever you go into your vehicle, lock your doors and of course, if you see something definitely give us a phone call," Epperson said. Epperson also recommended not leaving valuables in cars and switching up routines to keep from becoming an easy target. --

https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-county-virginia-bank-jugging-crime-rising-nationwide-theft-trend-police-investigation-warning-prevention-community

[Miguelito Loveless]

1. How would the person know

who was going into the bank to fetch money? How would they know whose tire to puncture?

When I leave the bank with money, it is in my pocket before I exit the building. Did this guy just leave the money in plain sight on the car seat?

[appalachiablue]

2. There are many news stories online about various types of thefts esp in FL,

and TX. Thieves watch customers withdraw money at an ATM and then follow them to the next stop, a store or home. Once there, they surround the car and threaten them to give up the money at gunpoint.

In some cases, people left the money they withdrew in the console of their car while they went into a store, an obvious mistake. Thieves broke the car window and got the cash.

How do thieves know who has withdrawn cash inside a bank and slash their car tire in anticipation of robbing them? The following may provide some insight - A PARTNER WAS INSIDE THE BANK WATCHING CUSTOMERS, WHILE THE OTHER WAS OUTSIDE:
----------
ORLANDO, Fla. – A man was arrested and two more are wanted following a series of “bank jugging” cases in Orlando, according to the police department. On Wednesday afternoon, police issued a warning about a “major uptick” in bank jugging crimes, which involve thieves who burglarize vehicles after watching victims withdraw money from a bank. According to police, the thefts normally take just seconds, and its been an issue throughout Central Florida, with victims in the region already losing more than $100,000 combined since March.

>>.. Police said that in May, one of the two men was inside an Orlando bank watching customers while the other was outside. The victim’s car window was eventually smashed, and thousands of dollars were stolen, police added.

* The Orlando Police Department is also providing the following tips to stay safe from future bank jugging cases.
- When banking, be aware of your surroundings and people inside and outside of the bank.
- Hide your cash before walking out of the bank. Don’t flaunt a money bag or envelope.
- Be on the lookout for anyone you believe might be following you.
- Try to go directly to your final destination with no extra stops.
- If you have to make a stop for another errand, do not leave cash anywhere in your vehicle. - If you see something suspicious or if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to call 911. https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/08/02/1-arrested-2-wanted-in-orlando-bank-jugging-cases-amid-uptick-in-thefts/

[Miguelito Loveless]

3. I would think a couple of guys

Loitering in a bank lobby would kind of seem suspicious.