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What is ‘jugging?’ Police in Colorado say this crime trend is on the rise

DENVER (KDVR) — Various local police departments are warning about a growing national crime trend known as someone stalking a person at a bank or ATM and following that person until they rob them.

Greeley Police Department warned of this trend and said that “jugging” was coordinated; Not just someone waiting in the alley. Robbers will follow people to their next stop, and this may involve breaking into someone’s car, detaining them, or grabbing anything they can get their hands on. Lakewood Police Department He also talked about this crime and said that the suspect often demands money with threats of violence or attack.

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Greeley police said you may not even realize you’re being targeted until it’s too late. But there are ways to protect yourself.

How do you protect yourself from ‘jugging’?

Denver, Lakewood and Greeley police departments said people should pay attention to their surroundings and be careful with money when withdrawing cash.

Here are some safety tips from police departments:

Make sure people pay extra attention to you when you’re at the bank or cash machine. Watch out for loitering vehicles near bank parking lots, and be on the lookout for vehicles that appear to be surveilling.
Be careful to put the money you withdraw into your purse, wallet or purse before returning to your vehicle. Do not leave the bank with your cash on hand.
Change your routine by changing banking locations and ATMs, changing the route from the bank, or changing the time to prevent robbers from learning habits.
Contact the police to report any suspicious behavior or alert bank security if you think someone is intending to commit a crime.
If you think you are being followed, go to a crowded place, the police or the fire department. Don’t confront them or act “heroic”.
Use digital options whenever possible.

While this is a growing trend across the country, it’s not a huge problem everywhere.

In June, Denver Police Department He said they have received fewer than 25 juggling reports since early 2024. However, preventative practices will keep these numbers low in Denver.

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