Gardai have issued an urgent warning about a new carefully calculated big money theft being used by criminals all over the country.
Bank Jugging happens when a thief parks outside a bank, sometimes for a whole day, waiting for its perfect target.
They watch patiently as customers go in and out, keeping eyes out for anyone equipped with bank bags, coin boxes or bank envelopes that they think may be loaded with cash.
The thugs then follow the customer and either break into their car once the goods have been stored inside and the person is away or sometimes even by hitting the victim directly.
There has been numerous cases reported in Dublin over the past year with this type of crime increasing rapidly too.
More often than not, the thieves will bide their times and wait until the victim stops at a different destination after leaving the bank such as another shop or even at their home.
When the customer attempts to leave their vehicle they are robbed.
A Garda spokeswoman told Dublin Live that 'Bank Juggers' often park where they have clear visibility of the front door of the bank or near the ATM.
She said: "If the line of visibility is obscured they will change parking spots.
"Be aware of vehicles that park but whose occupants fail to enter the bank.
"Do not ignore it. Let security staff know or call the Gardai."
She also issued pointers on what to look out for and how to prevent you or someone else being the victim of Bank Jugging.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially if something seems strange as you enter the bank.
• Conceal your bank deposit bags, coin boxes or envelopes as you enter and leave the bank.
• Take your bank bag or envelope with you into your next destination. Don’t hide it in your vehicle.
• Always vary your routes and times of cash drops and collections.
• Consider using electronic funds transfer rather than depositing or withdrawing cash.
• If you feel like you are being followed, call 999 and drive to a Garda station.
