For months now, area business persons and residents have been targeted for vehicle burglaries and robberies following a trip to the bank.  Police have a word for what happens – jugging.

It is a 5-second offense. It doesn’t take long to smash the glass and grab something from a car.

This is a crime we all need to be mindful of because it can happen anywhere and to anyone.

Protect Yourself

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Conceal money before leaving the bank. Never openly carry bank bags, envelopes or coin boxes.
• Use a bag of some sort such as a duffle bag, tote bag, backpack or purse.
• Be aware of anyone following you from the area of a bank.
• If you suspect you are being targeted, call 911 from your cell phone and keep the dispatcher informed of your location, the direction you are traveling, and drive toward the police station until marked police cars are able to locate you.
• Do not leave or try to hide your bank bag or bank envelope in your vehicle when you exit at your next destination, even if it’s your residence or business.

Suspicious Activity

• Occupied vehicles backed into parking spaces with clear view of the front doors of the bank, ATM, or commercial drive-thru line.
• Vehicle arriving at the bank with no occupants entering the bank.
• Vehicles changing parking spaces.
• Vehicles with dark tinted windows with little or no visibility of the occupants.
• Vehicles with multiple occupants.