XPost: talk.politics.guns, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh, sac.politics   
   XPost: alt.politics.democrats   
   From: democrats@caused.it   
      
   WOODLAWN, Md. —   
   The FBI is warning about a new crime trend called jugging, which occurs when   
   thieves watch people take money out of an ATM or bank and then rob them,   
   usually at gunpoint.   
      
   The FBI is assisting in as many as 80 cases to date in 2024. It said the   
   crime poses a significant risk to public safety and causes serious financial   
   harm.   
      
   Authorities said jugging can happen within 15 to 30 seconds.   
      
   "It is roughly three to four individuals per organized crew that will sit   
   outside a bank or ATM looking for a target of opportunity," said Kevin   
   Crout, an FBI Baltimore special agent. "There has been a firearm displayed   
   in almost every instance."   
      
   It happens at ATMs, outside of banks and credit unions. Sometimes, the   
   criminal follows their target to their next location.   
      
   Most people 11 News spoke with were unaware of the new crime trend.   
      
   "No, I have never heard of it. It is quite astonishing, really," said   
   Marquil Green, of Baltimore.   
      
   "It sounds like people are desperate," said Jim Fields, of Baltimore.   
      
   Law enforcement is surprised by how fast the crime is growing.   
      
   According to the FBI, at least 21 bank and ATM customers have been robbed in   
   just the first week of July in Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.   
   The agency is assisting in the investigation of the offenses this year.   
      
   "Low risk, high reward for the suspect. For the victims, this is a high risk   
   from start to finish," Crout said.   
      
   Last week, two people died following a police pursuit that started in Anne   
   Arundel County and ended with a crash in Washington, D.C. Investigators   
   believed they were chasing armed robbery suspects as part of a jugging   
   investigation.   
      
   "It is a crime of opportunity, and it is also an organized effort," Crout   
   said.   
      
   Investigators think the thieves are based in D.C. and are targeting people   
   along Rt. 50, working their way south from Anne Arundel County.   
      
   "Just protect yourself at all times to be safe — watch your surroundings,"   
   said Beverly Leila, of Baltimore.   
      
   The FBI is urging the public to remain vigilant and keep the following   
   safety tips in mind.   
      
   Look around for anyone who is loitering or appears suspicious. This could   
   include wearing winter clothes in the summer.   
   Pay attention to drivers who back into parking spaces but don't leave the   
   vehicle.   
   Conceal your cash.   
   Vary your routine.   
   Avoid distractions like using your phone until you are in a safe place.   
   "The financial implications, the emotional distress, the kind of fear to go   
   to the bank, which you have been doing your entire life, is there," Crout   
   said.   
      
   https://www.wbaltv.com/article/fbi-warns-new-crime-trend-80-cases-   
   2024/61583665   
      
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