Jugging is on the rise: The new form of robbery targeting Americans and how to stay safe

A new street crime called “jugging” is rapidly spreading across the United States, with police departments in multiple states warning that organized thieves are targeting people after they withdraw money from banks or ATMs.

What is “Jugging”?

Law enforcement officials describe “jugging” as a robbery tactic where suspects surveil financial institutions and wait for individuals withdrawing large amounts of cash. Once a victim leaves, the suspects or “jugger” follow them, often in teams, and strike when the person is distracted, usually at another location such as a gas station or parking lot.


“Jugging rhymes with mugging. It’s spread from Texas to South Carolina,” said Fox News Senior Correspondent Steve Harrigan. “Law enforcement warns that it could be over in a flash.”

Jugging on the rise across America

Surveillance footage from Mauldin, South Carolina, shows a man being attacked inside his red truck on April 26, before suspects flee the scene in a silver SUV. Cpl. Cecilio Reyes of the Mauldin Police Department said the suspects are typically watching for how much cash people withdraw. “They are scoping, and they will watch you as you’re either coming in or going out of the bank, or watch you do ATM withdrawals,” Reyes said.

One case in South Carolina involved a local landscaping business owner who had just withdrawn his weekly $6,000 payroll from a bank. Unaware he was being watched, he stopped at a gas station for a drink. Within seconds, two men smashed through his truck window and stole the cash.

Jugging cases are increasing in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. In Central Florida alone, at least seven incidents have been reported in recent weeks. Some victims have suffered injuries, including one case in Texas where a baby was hurt during a jumping attempt.

How to stay safe?

To stay safe from jugging, always be alert when withdrawing money from banks or ATMs. Criminals often watch for people handling large sums of cash and follow them to secondary locations.

Keep your money hidden immediately, avoid making other stops, and check your surroundings, especially in parking lots or when getting back into your car.

If you suspect someone is following you, don’t go home. Instead, drive to a police station or a crowded public place and call 911.

Vary your routines, avoid predictable patterns, and consider using digital payment methods whenever possible.

Police say the robbers often use rented or stolen cars and disguise themselves as regular customers at banks. In many cases, they blend in and wait hours before striking.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant after visiting banks or ATMs. “If you think you’re being followed, don’t go home. Go to a public place or straight to the police,” officials advise.

Texas lawmakers are working to introduce legislation that would classify jugging as a felony, allowing for stricter penalties as the crime spreads.