The Watsonville Police Department is warning everyone about a new crime that is on the rise across the nation, and has now occurred in Watsonville.
“Bank jugging” involves thieves waiting in bank parking lots or near ATMs to target people carrying cash.
They then follow the victims from the bank to their next destination, creating an opportunity to steal their money.
“Our Officers responded to what we now believe was an attempted bank jugging incident Wednesday afternoon,” WPD said.
Sarah Lewis said in a Facebook post that she went to the Bank of America in Watsonville, and when she left she noticed a man nearby but thought nothing of it.
She then went to Nob Hill, and when she came out an employee of the grocery store told Lewis that he saw a couple in a black Toyota Prius parked nearby. While the woman followed Lewis inside, the man placed a sharp object under her tire.
The employee told Lewis, and they removed the sharp object. She then called the police.
According to WPD, the suspects likely placed the object to create a distraction, such as a flat tire, to get their hands on Lewis’s money.
While we continue to investigate, our officers have shared information with law enforcement agencies across the state,” WPD wrote in a facebook post. “In the meantime, we ask that you please stay vigilant.”
Anyone who sees suspicious activity should call the Watsonville Police non-emergency line at 831.471.1151.
Police tips
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Before getting into your car, do a quick tire check
• Look for anyone following you when driving to your next location
• If you get a flat, drive to a busy, well-lit area before stopping.
