What was supposed to be a routine ATM stop turned into a near-tragedy for one Houston man.
The man had withdrawn cash from an ATM and made the short 5.5-mile drive home, unaware he was being tailed. Not by one car. But two.
Security footage from the family’s home captured the chilling moment. The man had just stepped inside when two vehicles pulled up, one right into the driveway. One suspect served as a lookout while another smashed the passenger window of his car, presumably looking for cash, which the man had already taken inside.
“They could’ve took his life over $200,” said a woman speaking on behalf of her son-in-law, who was targeted outside a Bank of America branch on Houston’s south side on May 5. For safety reasons, she asked not to be identified when she spoke to KHOU.
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‘Bank jugging’ on the rise
When the woman shared the footage and story online, the response was immediate. Dozens of Houstonians reported similar experiences, some even saying they were targeted after using the same bank branch.
“They left empty-handed,” the woman said. “He was frustrated about it, but I mean, a window can be replaced. Even the money could be replaced. His life — it can’t be replaced.”
The crime is known as "jugging,” a growing concern in Texas where thieves stalk victims from banks or ATMs.
The term "jugging" refers to the act of "juggling" cash. These are the steps the criminals take:
- Surveillance: Criminals watch bank or ATM locations, looking for individuals withdrawing substantial amounts of cash.
- Targeting: Once a potential victim is identified, the perpetrators discreetly follow them, often using multiple vehicles.
- Theft: At a later location, like the victim’s home or a parking lot, the criminals rob the individual of their cash.
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What lawmakers are doing
House Bill 1902, signed into law recently, officially creates the criminal offense of jugging under Section 29.04 of the Texas Penal Code. It makes jugging a state felony and takes effect Sept. 1, 2025.
Previously, suspects could only be charged with burglary or robbery. Now, jugging is its own crime and can carry steeper penalties if the offense escalates.
“There are steps that banks themselves can do to help protect their customers,” said Nichole Christoff with Houston Crime Stoppers. “And the first is by having good surveillance cameras inside and outside of the bank to capture people’s comings and goings and potentially spot suspicious behavior — and also be good evidence.”
How to protect yourself from jugging
To reduce the risk of falling victim to bank jugging, here are some important safety tips that :
- Be discreet: Put your cash away immediately after withdrawal. Don’t count your money in public or leave it visible in your car.
- Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings, especially if something seems unusual as you enter or leave the bank.
- Vary your routine: Change the times and locations of your banking transactions so that you don’t have a predictable routine.
- Use drive-through services: Choose drive-through ATMs or bank tellers when possible to minimize your exposure.
- Secure your car: Lock your doors and keep valuables out of sight when leaving your vehicle.
- Report suspicious activity: If you notice anyone acting suspiciously near your bank or following you, report it to the authorities immediately.
The family hopes their frightening experience will be a wake-up call for others to stay vigilant when withdrawing cash.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
