HOUSTON – In the busy, and sometimes overwhelming, city of Houston there are several major crime threats residents are facing daily.
The topic for today has typically been a seasonal conversation, as similar crimes are reported around the Christmas holiday.
But now, juggers are doing it anywhere. And to anybody.
SEE ALSO: Bank jugging: How to protect yourself from becoming a victim
The term “jugging” refers to a criminal activity where perpetrators typically target bank customers who have just made large withdrawals.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen an uptick in jugging cases where residents of affluent neighborhoods reported being followed home and then robbed.
Jugging typically involves criminals observing bank customers who withdraw substantial amounts of cash and then follow them to their next destination, such as their vehicle, home, or another location. Once the target is identified, the perpetrators break into the vehicle or use other means to steal the cash. In some cases, these incidents escalate to violence or other forms of crime.
SEE ALSO: Woman body slammed in Houston’s Chinatown jugging attack sues Dun Huang Plaza
However, a recent case near the Houston area played out a little differently.
This past week, a woman said she believed a man followed her from a Starbucks in Memorial City to a restaurant on Bellaire.
SEE ALSO: Avoid becoming a victim of ‘jugging’: Here are 3 things you can do to protect yourself
When the woman went inside the restaurant, she said her car was broken into within three minutes.
The thieves took her laptop and her AirPods which were both tucked under her seat.
Although it seems impossible to predict the outcome of these situations, understanding how to protect yourself from such schemes is still crucial in safeguarding your finances and personal safety.
Tips for Protection
1. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Remain vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Scan your surroundings for suspicious individuals loitering nearby or vehicles that seem out of place. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, take precautionary measures.
2. Avoid Patterns: Criminals often observe routines. Vary your banking habits, such as the time of day you visit the bank or the routes you take after making withdrawals. Breaking predictable patterns makes it harder for perpetrators to target you.
3. Secure Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables, including cash, are out of sight. Park in well-lit areas with high visibility to deter potential thieves. Consider installing security features such as alarms or immobilizers for added protection.
4. Report Suspicious Behavior: If you notice individuals behaving suspiciously around bank premises or ATMs, alert bank staff or law enforcement immediately. Reporting suspicious activity can help prevent potential jugging incidents and protect others in the community.
5. Feel like you’re being followed?: Immediately call 911 or pull into your nearest police station.