There are few places where people are more vulnerable — and generally less aware of their surroundings — than when they’re using an ATM. They tend to focus on the screen and completing their transaction and usually come away with a fist full of cash. They’re not always aware what or who may be nearby waiting to take advantage of a potentially juicy target.
Staking out and targeting ATM users happens often enough that the tactic has acquired its own name: jugging.
Yesterday a San Antonio man was conducting some personal banking when he was approached by two men in an attempted holdup. Their withdrawal wasn’t successful. From KENS5.com . . .
Police Chief William McManus said an unidentified man was withdrawing money from a drive-thru ATM along the 2100 block of SW Military Drive when the two would-be criminals tried to rob him. That’s when the would-be robbery victim pulled out a gun and shot the two unidentified men, the chief said.
The careers of the two young thieves have come to a sudden end. Both died of their wounds.
“This is a trend throughout the country right now,” McManus said, referring to criminals targeting individuals at ATMs. “We believe at this point – again, this could change – that this was a jugging incident.”
Jugging occurs when thieves target people at businesses or banks. After a person makes a purchase or withdraws money, they are followed by criminals who wait for an opportune time to swoop in and steal.
This would be San Antonio’s fourth jugging incident in less than a month.
This would also be two fewer juggers that San Antonio residents have to worry about.
McManus said investigators are interviewing the victim who fired at the two suspects. It remains unknown if he will be charged or not, as police must first determine if he was acting out of self-defense.
The SAPD probably won’t have to bring in Sherlock Holmes to figure out what happened here. Stay safe out there and be aware of your surroundings.