Criminals Are Targeting Bank And ATM Customers In Maryland

Press Release

The FBI and Law Enforcement Partners Urge the Public to be Vigilant After a Spate of Armed Robberies

Baltimore, Maryland - The FBI and our 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 just in the first week of July.

A majority 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 FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. "We will continue to pursue criminals with all our available resources and remain determined to eradicate violent crime from our streets."

"The Anne Arundel County Police Department is grateful for the assistance of our federal, state and local partnerships as we focus intently on the violent criminals involved in the wave of armed robberies being committed against our innocent, hardworking community members throughout the region," said Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Amal E. Awad. "The perpetrators of these violent robberies, known as "juggings", prey on people who are trying to live out their daily lives peacefully. 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 Prince George's County Police Department truly values our partnership with both the FBI Baltimore Field Office and local agencies on this regional issue. Our detectives regularly communicate with these law enforcement partners to share real-time information on these investigations which often cross jurisdictional borders," said Deputy Chief Zachary O'Lare, Bureau of Investigation Prince George's County Police Department. "Together, we intend to identify and arrest all criminals targeting victims who are simply stopping at a bank. This issue is a top priority."

"The Bowie Police Department is committed to collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for these criminal acts," said Bowie Police Chief Dwayne A. Preston.

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, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI or submit an anonymous tip through tips.FBI.gov.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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Updated July 17, 2024