Brace yourselves, America, as a sinister crime dubbed “jugging” is sweeping our cities, putting law-abiding citizens at risk when they’re merely managing their finances.
See the tweet below!
The alarming trend involves criminals tailing individuals from banks or ATMs to rob them at unsuspecting moments.
With states like Texas already taking legislative action, the question remains—how can we protect ourselves and our communities from this growing menace?
Jugging is no longer just a problem for Texas—it’s a national concern.
This crime involves offenders identifying vulnerable targets at banks and ATMs, following them to secondary locations, and striking when victims are distracted, often at parking lots or gas stations.
States like Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are also witnessing a rapid increase in these incidents.
The Berlin Police Department advises the public to be mindful of their surroundings and resistant to distractions.
Authorities recommend acting quickly to stow away cash in a wallet or purse after withdrawal and ensuring your car doors are locked immediately upon entry.
The simplicity of the crime belies its potential danger, which could be over in an instant.
Perhaps the most telling sign of the seriousness of jugging is Texas’s proactive legal response.
House Bill 1902, effective September 1, 2025, reclassifies jugging as a state-jail felony, with penalties ranging from 180 days imprisonment to severe financial penalties.
Some offenders could even face up to life imprisonment for first-degree felonies related to jugging.
“Jugging, the crime of following and robbing someone after they leave a bank or ATM, is now a felony in Texas,” reports Fox 4 News.
Despite law enforcement’s efforts, jugging remains dangerously unpredictable.
In South Carolina, a landscaping business owner was robbed of his entire $6,000 payroll after being followed from a bank.
Meanwhile, in Illinois, Texas men were apprehended following their involvement in similar crimes, illustrating jugging’s broad reach.
Police sound alarm on dangerous 'jugging' robbery trend sweeping across America https://t.co/8HZ1c9V7Y2
— Jeff Hunter (@Tex1944) June 21, 2025
Vigilance is essential to thwart these criminals. Individuals should remain alert when handling cash, avoid predictable routes, and prioritize using digital payments.
Officials strongly recommend that anyone feeling followed should not go home, but instead head to a crowded public venue or a police station while contacting the authorities.
