FBI Issues JUGGING Warning: The Video Michiganders Need to See

Do you have routines? I know you could set your watch to some of mine. From the moment I wake up to the last thing I do before hopping in bed, I have regular habits that have become ingrained in my day-to-day life. My routines are almost like a cozy T-shirt; I'm comfortable in them both and see no reason to hang either up. However, and you knew a however was coming, our routines are what 'Jugging' preys upon and why Michigan families need to see the real dangers presented by this criminal plot.

Related: Danger Zones: Michigan's 10 Most Hazardous Cities After 9 PM

The phrase 'jugging' refers to Michigan's lowlifes who pick a victim, usually someone who lives in an upscale neighborhood or individuals who regularly carry large sums of cash or valuables and follow them for days, weeks, sometimes even months. Comforting routines, like a quick stop at home before making a bank deposit, are exactly what 'Juggers' are looking for. This is why the FBI issued an official warning on July 12, 2024, warning about the deadly crime.

FBI Issue 'Jugging' Warning in Michigan: Be Alert and Aware When Carrying Cash

The video below is from a 'jugging' incident caught on home surveillance. It shows the final stage of their criminal plan. Prior to this recording, these criminals watched and learned about their victim's actions and habits to find the perfect time to strike.

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For 22 heart-wrenching seconds, the intended victim sits motionless in their vehicle as three armed criminals do their best to break in. The only thing that saved them from physical harm and losing a large sum of money was a slow getaway. This situation could have turned out much differently if the thieves had done more than threaten violence.

'Jugging' Incident Caught on Tape: 22-Seconds Every Michigander Needs to See

Though this played out in Texas, it could have just as easily been you or someone close to you whose routines have been monitored long enough. Not all 'jugging' incidents happen at home. This trend has already raised eyebrows along the east coast and similar incidents have happened very recently in Michigan.

Related: Murder in Your Hometown: 1 Year in Crime in 424 Michigan Cities-Towns

A case that could easily be qualified as jugging happened on November 17, 2023, as reported by MLive, in Benton Harbor when a Dunham's store manager was held at gunpoint by two men demanding information about the store's alarm system. One of the men took the manager's keys and, over the course of an hour, stole 123 firearms from the Benton Harbor, Michigan, Dunhams. The men were later caught and convicted, and all but one of the guns was found.

How to Avoid Being a Victim of Jugging in Michigan

While we've already established that our routines are comforting, it's important to vary them, especially if you have one that revolves around regular transportation or receipt of large sums of cash or valuables.

Keep an eye on your surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity to the area authorities. It's better to be overly cautious than to become a jugging victim.