A South Carolina landscaping business owner recently lost thousands in a targeted form of mugging called “jugging.” While running errands he went into a bank to withdraw his team’s weekly payroll, $6,000, in cash. Then he drove to a gas station down the street for a soda. A team of criminals pulled in right behind him, ready to block his truck in, break his windows, and take the cash by force if necessary. Why him? They had likely been staking out the bank.

Cpl. Cecilio Reyes of the Mauldin, South Carolina, Police Department explained. “They are scoping, and they will watch you as you’re either coming in or going out of the bank, or watch you do ATM withdrawals, seeing how much you’re getting cash wise.”

These are calculated crimes, targeting bigger scores than average muggings. And because a jug holds more than a mug can, the slang term is “jugging.” Some of these criminals disguise themselves as bank customers, others wait outside in rented or stolen cars.

Jugging crimes have spread to multiple states

Fox News warns that this crime strategy became a trend in South Carolina about a month ago. It has since spread to other states. Texas officials have seen a sharp increase in these jugging-style holdups. But of course in the information age, you could see copycat criminals pop up absolutely anywhere.

Authorities are urging people to use electronic payment when possible. When you must get large amounts of cash, run your other errands first. Go inside a bank and don’t carry an envelope of cash in your hand. Tuck it into an inconspicuous pocket and keep it on your person instead of leaving it in your car. If you think you are being followed, you can always call 911 and drive directly to a police station instead of going home. Learn more about how to avoid jugging in the video below: