and TX. Thieves watch customers withdraw money at an ATM and then follow them to the next stop, a store or home. Once there, they surround the car and threaten them to give up the money at gunpoint.
In some cases, people left the money they withdrew in the console of their car while they went into a store, an obvious mistake. Thieves broke the car window and got the cash.
How do thieves know who has withdrawn cash inside a bank and slash their car tire in anticipation of robbing them? The following may provide some insight - A PARTNER WAS INSIDE THE BANK WATCHING CUSTOMERS, WHILE THE OTHER WAS OUTSIDE:
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ORLANDO, Fla. – A man was arrested and two more are wanted following a series of “bank jugging” cases in Orlando, according to the police department. On Wednesday afternoon, police issued a warning about a “major uptick” in bank jugging crimes, which involve thieves who burglarize vehicles after watching victims withdraw money from a bank. According to police, the thefts normally take just seconds, and its been an issue throughout Central Florida, with victims in the region already losing more than $100,000 combined since March.
>>.. Police said that in May, one of the two men was inside an Orlando bank watching customers while the other was outside. The victim’s car window was eventually smashed, and thousands of dollars were stolen, police added.
* The Orlando Police Department is also providing the following tips to stay safe from future bank jugging cases.
- When banking, be aware of your surroundings and people inside and outside of the bank.
- Hide your cash before walking out of the bank. Don’t flaunt a money bag or envelope.
- Be on the lookout for anyone you believe might be following you.
- Try to go directly to your final destination with no extra stops.
- If you have to make a stop for another errand, do not leave cash anywhere in your vehicle. - If you see something suspicious or if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to call 911. https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/08/02/1-arrested-2-wanted-in-orlando-bank-jugging-cases-amid-uptick-in-thefts/
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