SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Last minute shoppers are scrambling in and out of stores and businesses as the holiday season rapidly comes to a close. However, as you go from place to place, do you know if someone is watching you?
It turns out, someone might be, especially if you are leaving a bank or other financial institution.
"The individuals are deliberately choosing financial institutions," said Scottsdale Police Sgt. Wiley Adams. "There's a method to their madness."
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Departamentos de policía en el valle alertan a los ciudadanos sobre un método de robo llamado 'jugging'
This is all part of a new trend called 'jugging' and has been reported not just in Scottsdale but from coast to coast in the United States.
Scottsdale Police say it's important with all the holiday hustle and bustle to pay attention especially if you're stopping at a bank.
"You walk out with an envelope or bank bag and return to your vehicle," said Sgt. Adams. "And then you drive somewhere else maybe another retail location, a home, anything like that."
Wiley said that the driver will be followed from the bank to their next stop and when the driver leaves their vehicle unattended, the suspect will then break into the vehicle and steal the cash.
"We're averaging two a month," said Adams. "The whole point of this is to promote public safety because there's always that potential for violence. We want people to know what they can do to prevent them from being victims of 'jugging.'"
So far this year there've been about 24 reported case of 'jugging' in Scottsdale. While it may not be much, it is up from last year. Scottsdale police want people to be on the lookout.
"We want them to pay attention to their surroundings," Adams said. "More times than not we're looking for out-of-state license plates, groups of individuals sitting in a car intently watching the bank or maybe people who don't appear to be doing normal business."
Authorities also advise people when leaving a bank to make sure to hide the transaction in a purse or backpack and not make it visible. If you can, go directly home and store it somewhere safe. If another stop is necessary, make sure to take the money with you. Also, notice what's happening around you.
"If they're being followed or they feel like they're not safe, they need to call 911," said Adams. "Or they can come to the nearest police station and meet with officers. If it's a case where maybe they see some people loitering they can call the non-emergency number at 480-312-5000. They can say they're seeing some suspicious behavior and ask to send an officer. We're more than happy to do that."
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