Have you ever visited an ATM, and go an uneasy feeling that someone is watching you? For many in California, that has unfortunately turned into a scary reality.
Police departments across California have been issuing warnings about a crime tactic called “jugging” (often described as “bank jugging”) — and the pattern is simple enough that it can unfold before you even realize what’s happening.
In jugging cases, officials say suspects linger near banks and ATMs looking for cues that someone has cash: a bank envelope, a banker’s bag, even the moment you step away from an ATM.
They then wait for the victim to return to their vehicle–or even “tail” them to a nearby, secluded spot, their home, or their business.
Criminals then smash a car window or bash in a door to grab the cash, or even rob the victim directly.
California is seeing enough activity that agencies from the Bay Area to Southern California have gone public with alerts. Orinda police in the Bay Area have warned that “jugging” is on the rise.
In Orange County, Irvine announced arrests in July 2025 after a vehicle burglary that police said fit the “bank-jugging style” pattern, and they described it as a nationwide trend.
Along the Central Coast, Watsonville police issued a warning after an alleged attempt, describing how suspects may follow a victim from the bank and then create an opening to steal the money.
Again, there is also a version of jugging that escalates beyond a car break-in. In Berkeley, prosecutors described a set of cases in which police say a suspect followed customers from local banks into Berkeley and then robbed them, leading to felony charges in multiple incidents.
The best jugging prevention advice is less about “self-defense tricks” and more about breaking the script these crimes rely on.
First, treat the bank parking lot like a transitional zone, not a place to relax. Before you exit the building, make sure cash and envelopes are put away, not displayed.
When you step outside, look around for vehicles that appear to be lingering or occupants who seem more focused on people than on banking. The FBI’s warning about jugging emphasizes that suspects are choosing targets they believe have significant cash, so reducing obvious signals matters.
It’s also important to avoid heading to a convenient “next step” for a robbery. Don’t go from the bank directly to your place of business, alone, at the same time very day–this is an invitation for criminals to learn your behavior.
And finally, have a plan in advance for if you noticed something suspicious after visiting the bank. The Orinda police recommend driving to the nearest police station (know this location in advance), or calling 911 if you feel at risk.
Finally, what does “jugging” actually mean? Police say it’s a nonsense term without any specific meaning–it’s a word that criminals invented to communicate about the strategy amongst themselves.
Knowledge is power, though, and now you know what it means. That’s the first step towards keeping yourself safe.
