Two Arrested in “Jugging” Caper NR19055dm

Los Angeles: On March 1, 2019, FBI/LAPD Major Theft Task Force was surveilling the parking lot of a bank, located in the 18300 block of Ventura Boulevard in Encino. The bank had been the starting point for several bank follow-outs, also known as “jugging”, in the past year.

Jugging is a predatory crime where by suspects target bank customers who have recently completed, or are suspected to have completed, a transaction from a financial center or ATM. Jugging suspects follow customers they believe are in possession of cash, waiting for the opportune moment to rob them directly or burglarize their parked vehicle. Most incidents occur on non-bank property, typically outside retail or commercial businesses.

The suspects park in the bank parking lot and watch customers exiting the bank. The suspects look for the customer carrying a white envelope that most banks give to customers when they withdraw cash. They also look for customers carrying a blue vinyl merchant deposit bag. When the suspects observe a customer with an envelope or blue bag they follow them away from the bank to their next stop. After the vehicle is no longer occupied, the suspects smash a window, enter the vehicle and check the center console and glove box for the envelope with the cash. They leave the location and set up on another bank. All too often, customers leave the envelope in the car with large sums of cash in it. Occasionally, the suspects enter the bank to look for customers withdrawing cash.

On March 1, 2019, two male suspects from Houston, Texas, were in a rented 2016 Hyundai Tucson with tinted windows and paper plates. Around 10:55 a.m., the suspects followed a silver Rolls Royce out of the bank parking lot to a health center in the 4800 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. After the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the suspects smashed the front passenger window and pried the door of the Rolls Royce to gain entry. The property was removed and the suspects fled. A short time later, both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

A search of the suspects and the vehicle produced over $21,000 in cash. Detectives believe both suspects are responsible for similar prior burglaries. It is likely these suspects have committed other follow-out burglaries in the last year in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Devian Lockhart —————– Christopher Curry

Bank customers are encouraged to conceal any cash withdrawal “white envelope” or blue merchant deposit bag prior to leaving a bank branch. They are also advised to be aware of anyone following them away from a bank. They are also advised to NOT leave cash in their vehicles.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective D. Bopp, Commercial Crimes Division Major Theft Task Force, at (213) 486-6962. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an onlinetip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Suspects Vehicle

Victim’s Vehicle

Cash found in Suspect’s Vehicle