Yesterday, a victim withdrew cash from a bank and drove to a nearby coffee shop, according to the Orange Police Department.
While the victim was sipping his cofee at the coffee shop, two suspects broke into his vehicle and stole the cash, which the victim had unwittingly left in the vehicle.
A witness however observed the crime and called 911, providing the Orange Police Dispatcher with the suspect’s license plate, which was later learned to be a recently stolen plate.
Police detectives responded to the scene and located the suspect’s vehicle parked near Tustin Street and Heim Avenue.
The detectives then conducted surveillance and eventually contacted the suspects when they walked back to their car.
The suspects were arrested for conspiracy and burglary, and the police officers recovered the victim’s cash.
The suspects were booked at Orange County Jail. One of them looks like a body builder. Let’s see how he likes the prison food!
This incident was a crime called “Bank Jugging,” which involves a suspect who will watch and follow a victim from a bank to their next location after they withdraw cash. Once there, the suspect will break into their car or demand the money from the victim.
Tips to prevent “Bank Jugging”:
- *Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious behavior, especially at banks.
- *Before leaving a bank, secure your money in something other than a cash bag or envelope.
- *Do NOT leave valuables inside your vehicle.
- *Make sure you are not being followed when you leave a bank. If you believe you are being followed, call 911 and drive to the nearest police station.
