Bank Jugging? What the heck is that?

Bank jugging is a slang term used to describe predators who sit in bank parking lots and watch customers go in and out of a bank. They follow the customers they believe have withdrawn cash and look for an opportunity to take that cash.

And they don’t just walk up to you and demand your money. They come up from behind, knock you down and fight you to get your cash. It’s extremely violent.

Check out this video 👉 Man robbed, attacked after leaving bank

So we’re talking about violent thieves looking to take someone else’s money. They hang out in bank parking lots sizing people up. If you come out carrying a bank envelope, they will assume it’s full of cash.

They will follow you to your next stop (store, gas station, even home) and attack you when you get out of your car.

Or, they’ll wait until you go inside a building and then break into your car to get the cash.

Or, the really bold ones will attack you right there in the bank parking lot.

Some of them put a partner-in-crime inside the bank. That person watches to see who is withdrawing large sums of money and then follows them out of the bank.

So what’s a person to do?

If at all possible, don’t go to the bank alone. Bring a friend or two with you. Most bank juggings involve one victim.

Threat Awareness is the key component here. If you remain aware, you can avoid many dangerous situations.

Before you go into the bank, look around the parking lot for signs of possible bank juggers:

• Occupied vehicles backed into parking spaces with a clear view of the front doors of the bank or drive through lanes,
• Vehicles that change parking spaces for no apparent reason,
• Vehicles arriving at a bank with no occupants entering the bank,
• Anyone loitering near the entrance.

If you see anything like that, or anything else that seems strange or suspicious (and you are planning to withdraw cash) leave and come back later or go to a different branch.

Once you get inside, take a good look around to see if anyone seems to be watching customers intently. They may be watching for someone to withdraw cash. If you believe that’s their intent, let bank staff know.

When the bank teller hands you your money, immediately put it in a secure pocket. Don’t openly carry bank envelopes or bank bags.

Be aware if someone is following you out of the bank. If you feel concerned, go back in the bank and ask for help.

Before leaving the bank, have your car keys in your hand. Immediately after exiting the bank, scan the parking lot again for anything that looks suspicious before heading to your car.

As you walk toward your car, continually look around for any signs of danger. If you feel you have been targeted, immediately go back in the bank if you can. Let bank personnel know and call the police.

Once in your car, immediately lock your doors and drive away. Check to see if anyone leaves the parking lot behind you. If it looks like they are following you, call 911 and keep the dispatcher on the line to describe your location, where you are headed, etc. and keep driving until a marked police car finds you (stay in populated areas).

As with most self defense situations, awareness is the key. The more aware you are, the easier it will be to avoid danger. And of course, showing that you are fully aware may actually convince predators to leave you alone.

These suggestions will not keep you completely safe from bank juggers. Nothing is fool proof. However, they will lessen your chances.

I know this will be difficult, but if you end up being targeted, and you have no escape route or opportunity to defend yourself, give the money up. It could save you from a violent encounter.

Unfortunately, some of them also enjoy the rush of violence. So be prepared to defend yourself in any case.

Awareness is so important. No one can sucker punch you if you see them coming. Head on a swivel and don’t linger anywhere.

Related Story: Thief Violently Grabs Woman’s Purse

~ Shereen

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