An Garda Síochána has today (Monday, December 20th, 2021), warned the public about the rise of a new crime called bank ‘jugging’.
Bank ‘jugging’ is a theft method where customers of financial institutions are watched by persons who wait for them to come out of the financial institution with a bank bag, coin box or bank envelope that looks like they may have a large amount of cash.
The customer may then be followed with the thief looking for an opportunity to steal the cash. They may break into their car or a distraction theft from the victim directly.
Bank jugging
Gardaí has asked the public to take the following general advice when carrying out cash banking transactions:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially if something seems strange as you enter the financial institution;
- Conceal your bank deposit bags, coin boxes or envelopes as you enter and leave the bank;
- Take your bank bag or envelope with you into your next destination. Don’t hide it in your vehicle;
- Always vary your routes and times for cash drops and collections;
- Consider using electronic funds transfer rather than depositing or withdrawing cash;
- Lastly, call 999 and drive to a Garda station if you feel like you are being followed.
Targeting criminal groups
An Garda Síochána has targeted criminal groups involved in this type of crime.
In a recent operation, Gardaí arrested three males at the end of November 2021 and subsequently charged these with multiple offences before the courts.
These males are currently remanded in custody.
During that operation, Gardaí froze the contents of several bank accounts and recovered €110,000 in cash.
In a statement, Gardaí said:
“Although many personal, commercial transactions now take place with cards or electronically, in the run-up to and over the Christmas period, people may be in possession of larger amounts of cash in their homes.”
