Fairfax County police are warning residents about bank jugging, a form of robbery that happens after a person takes a large amount of money out of a bank or credit union.
Since April, it’s happened at least 10 times in Fairfax County, with five of the incidents in Annandale and two in Springfield, the police said in a news release.
The police explained that in these crimes, the suspects follow the victims as they drive away from a bank after withdrawing a large sum of money. The victims then park and leave the money in their cars, and the thieves then break in and steal the cash.
In one case on September 15, the thief used another ruse — puncturing the victim’s tire while he was in the bank and then offering to help. After withdrawing $9,500 from the bank, the victim discovered the punctured tire. The police said a Hispanic man in his mid-to-late 30s with a backpack approached him and offered an aerosol tire inflator kit. As the victim tended to the tire, the man said he needed to get another tire kit. He left and with him went the victim’s cash.
Anyone who knows about the September 15 incident should call the Franconia Police Station at 703-922-0889.
Investigations are underway into four bank jugging crimes at the Hanmi Bank in Annandale between April 27 and June 29; one at the Chase Bank in Groveton; one at Wells Fargo in Annandale; one at Bank of America in Springfield; one at Capital One Bank in Springfield; and one at American Bank in the Franconia district.
How to Protect Yourself
Fairfax County police offered these tips to protect yourself when at a bank or ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to anyone who may be watching you outside a bank or financial institution.
- Conceal cash and bank-related items: Store cash in a discreet manner. Put it in a purse or wallet. Don’t openly carry bank bags or envelopes that may draw attention. Do not leave cash unattended in your vehicle. If you do, consider locking it in the glove box.
- Vary your routine: Criminals often look for patterns. Change your banking and cash withdrawal habits.
- Secure your vehicle: Lock your vehicle. Make sure valuables are not visible.
- Report suspicious activity: If you notice someone acting suspiciously or believe you are being followed, report it immediately to the police.
The police did not indicate any of the victims had been hurt. In other bank jugging cases around the country, the thieves threatened the victims. Banks and credit unions nationwide have posted warnings about the crime on their websites.
While it’s not clear how the term “bank jugging” started, some financial institutions have said it originates from the days when people would carry large amounts of cash in large jugs.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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