A stakeout by College Station police outside a local bank may have saved customers from being crime victims.
Undercover officers watching activity outside the Chase bank branch on South Texas saw a parked car with two men who never got out. According to the arrest report, when two customers left the bank and got in their car, they were followed by the suspects. That led police to notify a street patrol unit, who stopped the suspect’s car. After finding out the suspects car had no insurance and the driver had an invalid license, the car was searched. Officers found cloth gloves, a screwdriver, and a map showing bank locations in College Station, Bryan, Beaumont, and LaPorte.
This was one of two incidents involved the crime called “bank jugging”. On the same day CSPD saw a second car at the Chase branch which earlier was seen by officers at the Wells Fargo branch on Southwest Parkway. Police followed the driver after he parked and sat awhile in his car before leaving. The car was stopped for not having a front license plate, the officer smelled and saw marijuana, and that led to a search. According to the arrest report, after the officer found rubber gloves and a tool to break windows, the driver said he was looking to following someone exiting the bank carrying an envelope so he could burglarize their vehicle.
Both drivers and a passenger in the first car were arrested for unlawful use of a criminal instrument. Both drivers were also charged with driving with an invalid license.
From College Station police:
On Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 detectives with the College Station Police Department initiated an operation to curb bank jugging incidents. This type of crime occurs when a victim leaves a bank or business with what appears to be a large amount of cash. Actors follow the victim and wait until they stop somewhere, leaving their vehicle unattended. The actors then enter the vehicle, often times by breaking a window in attempt to take anything of value with the target being cash. In some of these incidents the victim is actually approached by the suspects and robbed of the money. Since late July of 2016 there have been 10 confirmed bank jugging incidents in College Station.
While conducting this operation at several banks in College Station investigators noticed suspicious activity from two separate vehicles, approximately two hours apart, at the Chase Bank at 2000 South Texas Ave. These vehicles were stopped by officers. During the following investigation tools that could be used to break windows, along with gloves were found inside each car.
Three individuals were arrested from the two vehicles that were stopped. David Jerome Thomas Jr. was arrested from one vehicle for Possession of Marijuana, Driving with a Suspended License and Possession of a Criminal Instrument. Lonnie McNeil and Benjamin Parrish were arrested from the other vehicle and charged with Possession of a Criminal Instrument, which is a class B misdemeanor.
The College Station Police Department appreciates the active role that local banks have taken to strengthen security measures and educate their customers. The department encourages all citizens to take an active role in their personal safety and reminds everyone to report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the College Station Police Department at 979-764-3600.
Additional Safety Tips for Shoppers:
· Park in well-lit areas
· Shop with a friend or family member, it is safer and more fun.
· If you’re shopping with large amounts of cash, spread it out in two locations. For example your purse and wallet or your pocket and hand bag.
· Always keep your purse and wallet on you; never leave it unattended in the shopping basket.
· Keep your receipts separate from your merchandise bags in case they are stolen; you will have proof of purchase and ownership.
· Don’t let the customer behind you make you feel rushed. Take the time to put your money and receipts away before leaving the counter.
· If delivering a bank bag to the bank do what you can to hide it going into the bank and leaving with it as well.
· Have your keys ready when you leave the store, so you are not distracted while digging for them.
· Put the purchased items in your trunk. Don’t leave them exposed on your seats in the vehicle or the rear of an SUV. Keep the purchased items covered up.
· Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to report suspicious activity in the parking lot or store, call 911.
· Make sure you always lock you vehicle when you get in it or when you walk away from it.