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Jugging: The New Crime Trend Targeting Bank and ATM Customers
Jugging is a rising crime trend where thieves follow victims from banks or ATMs to steal cash and valuables. Learn recent cases, safety tips, and how new laws are fighting back.
Last Updated on September 21, 2025 by Daily News Staff
What Is Jugging?
“Jugging” is a fast-growing crime trend sweeping across U.S. cities. It happens when criminals watch people leaving banks, ATMs, or high-value stores, then follow them to steal money or valuables.
The typical pattern looks like this:
Thieves stake out a bank or store parking lot. They spot someone carrying a bank envelope, ATM cash, or a shopping bag with electronics or jewelry. The suspects follow the victim, sometimes for miles, until they stop at another location. Once the victim is distracted or leaves their car, the thieves strike — breaking into the vehicle or committing a robbery.
Some cases involve property theft only, while others escalate into violent confrontations if the victim notices the suspects.
Why Is Jugging on the Rise?
Police in Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, and other states have reported a surge in jugging incidents between 2024 and 2025. Criminals are drawn to this method because:
They can easily identify victims carrying cash. The crimes are fast, often taking less than a minute. Offenders frequently work in organized crews, making it harder for victims to fight back.
Unfortunately, many jugging cases go unreported or are categorized under general theft/robbery, so exact statistics are difficult to track.
Recent Cases Across the U.S.
Austin, Texas (Dec 2024) – Two suspects followed a person from a bank, then stole an envelope containing cash, a bank card, and an ID from the victim’s car. Police recovered about $8,000 and made arrests.
Midlothian, Texas (July 2024, sentencing in 2025) – An ATM technician was ambushed and robbed of nearly $250,000 while making service rounds. A Houston man tied to the crime was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Osceola County, Florida (2025) – The sheriff’s office reported at least seven jugging cases in the first half of the year, many tied to gang activity. Victims were followed from banks and robbed either at businesses or in parking lots.
Beaumont & Port Arthur, Texas (early 2025) – Police arrested suspects linked to multiple jugging incidents, including a case where a victim with a 5-month-old baby was targeted.
Houston & Montgomery Counties, Texas (mid-2025) – A joint task force arrested 21 suspects believed responsible for at least a dozen jugging incidents.
Law Enforcement & Legal Crackdowns
Task Forces: Police departments in Texas and Florida have dedicated jugging task forces, often working across multiple jurisdictions. Organized Crime Links: Many jugging suspects are part of organized groups, with coordinated surveillance and get-away drivers. New Laws: In 2025, Texas passed House Bill 1902, which takes effect on September 1, 2025. This law enhances penalties for jugging — making it a first-degree felony if violence or weapons are involved.
Safety Tips to Prevent Jugging
Authorities recommend several precautions:
Stay aware when leaving banks or ATMs — don’t assume you’re safe once you’re off the premises. Avoid carrying visible envelopes, cash, or store bags. Don’t leave bank envelopes or valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle. If you suspect you’re being followed, do not drive home — instead, head to a police station or busy public location. Consider conducting large cash transactions inside the bank with assistance instead of outside at ATMs.
Why It Matters
Jugging is no longer just a Texas problem — it’s spreading nationwide. From Houston to Orlando, law enforcement warns that thieves are targeting anyone carrying visible cash or valuables. While police are cracking down with arrests and tougher laws, prevention and awareness remain the best defense.
As jugging gains more attention, expect to see more states adopting stricter laws and banks possibly redesigning parking lots and surveillance systems to deter criminals.
👉 Related Reading: Click2Houston – New Texas law targets bank jugging crimes
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The Knowledge
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
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Money Management: The Importance of Financial Literacy
You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action. When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
(Feature Impact) You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action.
Financial literacy in the United States has remained stagnant at generally low levels for several years, according to research from TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, with even lower levels among Gen Z. Yet greater financial literacy – including key aspects such as goal-setting, budgeting, saving, credit management and investing – is strongly linked to better financial outcomes, including lower rates of debt constraint and financial fragility.
While emboldening yourself to understand financial terms can be a little overwhelming at first, once you have a grasp of basic concepts you can begin to get a handle on your money and make better financial decisions. Simply put: When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
From nonprofit partnerships to volunteer-led programs and fee online resources, Schwab and its employees help millions of people every year build the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial futures by serving as board members, mentors, role models and educators.
Because financial health is a lifelong journey, the earlier people learn vital money skills, the better. That’s why the financial advisory services provider develops education programs geared toward kids that continue into adulthood, helping people no matter where they are on their journeys.
Talk Money
It’s never too early to start a conversation about financial literacy. Having teens identify goals that are important to them – such as concert tickets or a first car – can kickstart coversations about money. Working with your child (and a financial advisor, if necessary) on a plan for saving to realize those goals can serve as a jumping off point. After achieving some success, their enthusiasm may grow, which is a powerful motivator to keep saving.
Support School Initiatives and Programs
Outreach programs that empower young people to make smart financial decisions is key to a bright future. Programs like Money Matters – Schwab’s flagship financial education program utilized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America – gives young people hands-on experience with all aspects of money and investing.
This example, and others, don’t just include program funding – they build partnerships that create impact and opportunity with national collaborations that reach more than 17 million youth annually, empowering young people with the tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions for life.
Spread the Financial Love
Championing financial literacy empowers everyone – individuals, families and communities. By serving as a board member, mentor, role model or educator to help bring financial literacy to others in your community, you can supply the tools and knowledge to lead programs that focus on giving back, empowering future generations in countless ways.
To learn more about financial literacy and find resources to empower your local community, visit SchwabMoneywise.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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SUVs and EVs Take Center Stage at the 2026 New York International Auto Show
(Feature Impact) The 2026 New York International Auto Show is shining a spotlight on the latest in automotive innovation, from advanced technology to the growing shift toward electric vehicles. One automaker, Kia, is using the show to highlight two versatile SUVs designed to offer more space, capability and flexibility for modern drivers.
Watch this video to learn more
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos has grown in size, offering a roomier interior with additional legroom, headroom and cargo space. It also adds a hybrid powertrain, making it the only vehicle in its class with three powertrain options. The SUV comes packed with advanced safety features, a more capable all-wheel-drive system and premium interior touches, including dual 12.3-inch display screens and an available panoramic sunroof.
The automaker is also showcasing the all-electric EV3, a compact SUV designed to make electric vehicle ownership more practical. With an estimated range of up to 320 miles, fast-charging capability and optional all-wheel drive, it balances performance, technology and everyday usability. Its intuitive features and flexible design make transitioning to electric simpler for a wider range of drivers.
Both models represent Kia’s commitment to providing options that blend capability, innovation and style. To learn more, visit Kia.com.
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