Police sound alarm on dangerous ‘jugging’ robbery trend sweeping across America

Jugging: A Disturbing Trend in Street Crime

Surveillance footage of a violent street crime known as “jugging” has emerged from South Carolina, prompting law enforcement to issue a warning to the public about this disturbing trend. Jugging is a type of robbery where criminals target individuals who withdraw large sums of money from banks and ATMs.

According to Fox News Senior Correspondent Steve Harrigan, jugging has spread from Texas to South Carolina, catching many police departments off guard. The crime is characterized by criminals following victims from financial institutions to a secondary location, where they proceed to rob them, often inside their vehicles.

In a recent incident captured on April 26, a man can be seen struggling inside a red truck before quickly switching to a silver SUV, which then speeds off from the scene. This footage highlights the swift and dangerous nature of jugging crimes.

Cpl. Cecilio Reyes of the Mauldin, South Carolina, Police Department provided insights into how jugging typically unfolds. Criminals observe individuals making bank transactions or ATM withdrawals, noting the amount of cash they receive. They then follow the victims to a secluded location, where the robbery takes place.

Steve Harrigan highlighted a series of jugging arrests in Texas before the crime began to surface in North and South Carolina. In one incident in South Carolina, a landscaping business owner fell victim to jugging after withdrawing his weekly payroll from a bank. The criminals intercepted his vehicle at a gas station, smashed the window, and made off with $6,000.

Efforts are underway in Texas to classify jugging as a specific felony, with more severe penalties than traditional robbery. This legislative action aims to deter criminals from engaging in this dangerous and rapidly growing criminal activity.