Bank Jugging: What It Is and How to Stay Vigilant

Due to reports of “Bank Jugging” incidents in several states, we're sharing important information to help keep our customers and bank visitors safe. Bank Jugging is when a suspect, or suspects, observe individuals enter a bank empty-handed and leave carrying bank bags, cash envelopes, or boxes - an indication they may have made a substantial withdrawal. The suspect(s) may also target individuals using the drive-thru or accessing the ATM. The suspect(s) then follow the customers they believe are in possession of large amounts of cash and look for an opportunity to burglarize their vehicles or rob them directly.

Local authorities recommend taking the following actions to stay safe and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of Bank Jugging:

• Be on the lookout for individuals backed into parking spaces, who do not exit their vehicle to conduct business.
• Be vigilant when using ATMs, as suspect(s) will target individuals using ATMs.
• All individuals leaving a bank branch should exercise caution as they could be targeted, even those who have not made a withdrawal transaction.
• Be vigilant when arriving and departing a bank branch. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave your car or the building if you observe suspicious vehicles parked in or around the parking lot.
• Conceal your money before you leave the bank.
• Don't openly carry bank bags, envelopes, or coin boxes.
• Watch for people following you.
• If you think you are being targeted or followed, call 911 and keep the dispatcher on the line to describe your location, where you are headed, etc. and keep driving until a marked police car finds you.
• Don't leave a bank bag (hidden or not) in your car unattended.
• Make banking the last stop of your errands.

Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 take the safety of our customers very seriously. We work diligently to enhance our security measures to stay on top of the most recent security threats; and our employees are trained to recognize suspicious behavior and to notify the proper authorities when necessary. We hope this information is helpful for our customers.