The Richardson Police Department is warning residents about the recent spike in “bank jugging” crimes in the city.
Jugging is a strategic action used by criminals to attack and rob innocent victims of their cash and valuables as they leave the bank or when they stop at their next destination.
A woman from Richardson, Lisa Steele, reported being monitored, stalked, and robbed in North Texas. She was accosted leaving the post office on Coit Road in Richardson, where she stopped after a bank trip.
During an interview with FOX 4 News, Lisa Steele said that she was surprised and had no knowledge of the term “bank jugging.” She added that the phrase is now in her vocabulary.
“My car was parked right here, and I rounded the corner, and a man was waiting for me, and he asked me if I’d gone to the bank,” Steele said during the interview with FOX 4 News. “I said no, and I pulled away, trying to get closer to my car. He started grabbing my purse; he put his hand in his pocket and said he had a gun.”
Steele said she struggled with her attacker even while she was on the ground, skinning her knee during the struggle.
According to Steele, the suspect ran across the parking lot to a getaway car that drove towards North Park Center. She added that the attacker used her credit card at the mall just minutes after robbing her.
According to FOX 4 News, Richardson PD revealed that jugging incidents happen in cycles. They want people to be on the lookout when going out to the bank or making purchases. They urge residents to carry only what they need when they go out and note people and vehicles.
Richardson PD is also warning residents against fighting back at the criminals.
Officer Mike Wieczorek from the Richardson PD urges potential victims to be observant and remember all they can about the suspect.
“Let the property go, become the best witness that you can for us,” said Wieczorek.