VA: Police Warn of 'Bank Jugging' Theft in Fairfax Co. As New Trend Rises Nationwide [View all]

- 'Fairfax County police warn of 'bank jugging' as new trend rises nationwide,' ABC7, Oct. 10, 2023. Police said thieves are waiting near banks and then following cars, hoping to steal whatever money the driver withdrew when the car stops. 💸
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SPRINGFIELD, Va. (7News) — Fairfax County police are warning of a new national trend. They call it “bank jugging,” and authorities are seeing cases on the rise in the county.

Police told 7News the latest incident happened at the Wells Fargo on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield in the middle of the afternoon on September 15. A man withdrew $9,500 and left. "He was driving and noticed that his tire pressure was low, and so he pulled over," Fairfax County Police Department Sgt. Jonathan Epperson said.

Police said another man approached saying he had a kit to help fix the flat tire; he asked to help. The victim took him up on the offer and started fixing his car. That’s when the so-called “good Samaritan” made an excuse and left, taking the money with him. Police believe it was all a setup--and believe the suspect punctured the victim’s tire as he was inside the bank, then followed him and waited to pounce. Investigators call these crimes “bank jugging.”

"People are just hanging out at banks, and they see someone leaving a bank with an envelope or a backpack and they’re just hoping that something is in there, and hopefully when they follow that person, they can score big," Epperson said. Similar incidents in Dallas were captured on video. Suspects pulled guns on victims, smashed their car windows, and ran away with envelopes of cash.

Fairfax County police are investigating at least 10 incidents that occurred in the county since April, and they believe numerous suspects are responsible. Officers tell 7News they are now working closely with banks and warning residents to be vigilant. "Be aware of their surroundings, make sure you’re using caution whenever you go into your vehicle, lock your doors and of course, if you see something definitely give us a phone call," Epperson said. Epperson also recommended not leaving valuables in cars and switching up routines to keep from becoming an easy target. --

https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-county-virginia-bank-jugging-crime-rising-nationwide-theft-trend-police-investigation-warning-prevention-community