Houston, Texas police are urging shoppers to use caution when at ATMs this holiday season, especially due to the rise of “jugging,” where criminals steal from people who have just withdrawn cash from ATMs, according to a report by ABC 13.
There were 83 “juggings” in October of this year compared to 66 last year in the area. Police recommended that citizens be on the lookout for suspicious individuals who pull up right beside them in a bank parking lot. They also recommend if someone is following you, don’t go home.
“Keep moving. It’s important for you to know your surrounding areas — and it’s also important for you to know where the nearest police station is. Do you actually think a crook is going to follow you into the police station?” Troy Finner, Houston police chief, said in the report. “Know where it is, and don’t stop if you think somebody is following you.”