TOPANGA CANYON—The Los Angeles Police Department is warning the public about the dangers of becoming a victim of “Bank Jugging.”
Bank Jugging is a term used to describe suspects who sit in bank parking lots and watch customers go in and out of a bank. The suspects then will follow customers who they think are in possession of cash and look for an opportunity to burglarize their vehicle or rob them directly.
The public should be aware of the following while banking:
-Occupied vehicles backed into parking spaces with a clear view of the front doors of the bank, the ATM or bank drive-thru line.
-Vehicles with dark tinted windows, with little or no visibility of the occupants
-Vehicles arriving at the bank with no occupants entering the bank
-Vehicles changing parking spaces or with numerous occupants
The public is being warned to:
-Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in the bank’s parking lot, and look for suspicious individuals
-Conceal cash: Don’t flash large amounts of cash or bank envelopes
-Be vigilant: Be aware of anyone who may be following you after leaving the bank
-Secure your belongings: Lock your car doors immediately after entering and ensure valuables are out of sight. DO NOT leave money in your vehicle.
Anyone with questions can contact the LAPD Topanga Division at (818) 756-4800.
By Danny Jones