New Crime Trend Targets ATM Users: Berlin PD

BERLIN, CT — Berlin police are warning folks to be careful around the ATM.

They may just be targets and not even realize it.

According to the Berlin Police Department, there is a new criminal trend called "jugging," which is on the rise nationally and locally.

Essentially, "jugging" is when a suspect hangs out at an ATM and uses the location to ascertain potential targets.

"Jugging is when suspects wait near a bank or ATM and watch for customers withdrawing money," wrote the BPD Monday. "The suspects then follow the customer, looking for an opportunity to burglarize their vehicles or rob them."

There are some actions folks can do to be safe when getting cash at the ATM, police said. They include:

• Always be aware of your surroundings. If something seems suspicious, it probably is.
• Try not to be distracted while in a bank or at the ATM. Avoid being on your cellphone, wearing headphones, etc.
• Be discreet. After withdrawing cash, immediately put the money in your wallet or purse. Avoid counting it in public.
• Lock your doors once you are in your vehicle. Do not leave large amounts of money inside your vehicle.
• Be unpredictable. Mix up your daily routine by visiting your bank at various times or using different branches and ATMs.
• Notice if any vehicles follow you out of the parking lot.

"If you believe you are being followed from a bank/ATM for any length of time, call 911 or drive to the Berlin Police Department, 240 Kensington Road (or nearest police department if you are out of town)," wrote the BPD.

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