July 3, 2014 - The Houston Police Department reminds citizens conducting business in area banks to be alert and attentive to their surroundings to avoid becoming a victim of "juggings."  

"Jugging" refers to a customer targeted as he/she leaves a bank with cash.  Many jugging victims do not know why they were targeted or even realize they were being followed.  Juggers usually conduct surveillance at a bank prior to committing their crimes.  

The jugger parks his vehicle, usually with heavy tinted windows, in an area allowing him to watch the front doors, the outside ATM machine and the drive-through teller line.  Most juggers choose to park in a back row of the bank, directly facing the front doors.  Bank bags and bank envelopes are two top items that will draw a jugger's attention.  

Most juggings occur when the customer leaves the bank and goes to another retail or commercial business.  Suspects will typically follow a customer's vehicle from the bank, with the intent to either break into the vehicle or rob the customer.  A jugger can break into your vehicle and steal your money in as little as five seconds.  

Surveillance video of juggings can be viewed on the HPD YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/EDwRTD2-r7A

HPD recommends the following to avoid becoming a jugging victim:  

• Be alert and attentive to your surroundings
• Look for suspicious vehicles near the ATM or in front of the bank
• Never make a bank bag, envelope or carrying case visible
• Once you leave the bank, make a mental note of any vehicles that may be following you

If you feel you are being followed, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Give your current location, direction of travel, vehicle description and the description of the vehicle following you.  



VHS/JFC  7-3-14