Criminals Are Targeting Bank And ATM Customers In Maryland

The FBI and its local law enforcement partners are investigating a surge of armed robberies, known as “jugging” crimes, at financial institutions in Maryland. At least 21 bank and ATM customers have been victimized by these crimes as of early July.

Most of the crimes have taken place in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties.

“Jugging” refers to a crime in which a suspect, or group of suspects, targets customers believed to have large amounts of cash. The perpetrators either rob customers while in the parking lot of a bank, credit union, or ATM or follow them to their next location.

So far in 2024, the FBI Baltimore Field Office has received reports of around seven dozen jugging offenses with more than half of those incidents reported in June and July.

“These assailants are brazenly targeting bank and ATM customers, posing a significant risk to the public of both physical and financial harm. FBI Baltimore’s Violent Crime Task Forces and our partners are working together to combat the alarming rise of these dangerous incidents,” said William DelBagno, FBI Baltimore special agent in charge. “We will continue to pursue criminals with all our available resources and remain determined to eradicate violent crime from our streets.”

Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad said the support of federal, state and local partnerships will help her department in its mission to protect “our innocent, hardworking community members throughout the region.”

“The perpetrators of these violent robberies, known as juggings, prey on people who are trying to live out their daily lives peacefully,” she said. “We will continue to dedicate the necessary resources to prevent these criminals from attacking innocent people, and when they do, diligently and relentlessly use our investigative techniques to identify, arrest, and bring them to justice. We share in the outrage of the many people and their families who have survived these terrifying encounters, left feeling victimized, broken and traumatized at the hands of these heartless, lawbreaking criminals.”

The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and keep the following safety tips in mind.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Always be vigilant when withdrawing or depositing money from a bank or ATM.
• Look around for anyone who appears suspicious or is loitering in the area.
• Pay attention to individuals backed into parking spaces who do not exit their vehicles to conduct business.
• Don’t leave your car or the building if you observe suspicious vehicles in the parking lot or parked nearby.
• Report any suspicious activities immediately.

Conceal your cash

• When leaving the bank, ensure your cash is not visible. Place it in a secure, inconspicuous location such as a pocket or a bag.

Vary your routine

• Avoid regular patterns in your banking habits. Change the times and locations you visit the bank.

Drive directly to your next destination

• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or a crowded, well-lit area, and call 911.

Avoid Distractions

• Do not engage in activities that might distract you, such as using your phone, until you are in a safe place.

If you have any information related to recent bank jugging incidents, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit an anonymous tip through tips.FBI.gov.