In the surveillance footage, a car holding a wad of cash fresh from the bank pulls into a convenience store on Houston’s Telephone Road.
Within seconds, two vehicles pull up. Thieves jump out, smash windows on both sides of the victim’s car, grab the cash and drive away.
“It’s not just bold, it’s also brazen,” Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers Houston told KHOU 11 News. “It’s also the fact that you don’t have any fear factor in our criminal justice system.”
The day before that incident, police say, a man broke into a vehicle at a local car wash and took cash that had also just been withdrawn from a bank. When the car’s owner confronted him, the thief reportedly flashed a weapon before fleeing.
The back-to-back cases in late April are part of a tactic known as "jugging," where thieves watch people leave financial institutions or other businesses, then follow and rob them, often at their next stop.
Jugging is not a new crime, but until recently, there was no specific charge for it. Texas is changing that this fall.
Jailed for jugging
Signed June 20, House Bill 1902 makes jugging a standalone offense with harsher penalties. It applies not only to culprits who follow victims from banks and ATMs but also from stores, businesses or other locations where valuables may be picked up.
“No longer will you be charged — like in these particular cases — with just theft or robbery,” Kahan explained. “You’re going to be charged with the offense of jugging. And that is going to pack a more powerful impact, hopefully, on the courts.”
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As of Sept. 1, jugging will carry a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and up to $10,000 in fines for a state-jail felony or up to life in prison if enhanced to a first-degree felony.
Texas House Representative Christian Manuel told KFDM that jugging is a growing trend and is already common in cities like Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin.
How to protect yourself
Experts warn that jugging happens fast and often without warning. Whether you’re making a bank withdrawal or picking up valuables, here are a few ways to avoid becoming a target:
- Hide valuables before leaving the bank: Don’t count or display cash where others can see. Put it away discreetly — ideally before walking to your car.
- Don’t leave valuables in the car: Even in a locked glove compartment, nothing is truly safe. Criminals may watch you stash the cash before smashing a window.
- Vary your routine: Avoid frequenting the same branch or store at the same time each week.
- Go straight home: Try not to run additional errands or stop at other businesses after making a big withdrawal.
- Watch your surroundings: Keep an eye out to see if any vehicles appear to be following you. If you’re fearful, don’t go home — drive to a police station or call 911 from your car.
