MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – Law enforcement agencies across Southeast Texas are raising alarms about a rising crime known as jugging. This crime involves criminals watching people at banks or ATMs, then following them to rob them at another location.
In the past three months, a regional task force has arrested 21 people believed to be part of organized jugging crews. Officials say these groups operate across county lines, using tools like binoculars, masks, and window punches to target victims — often business owners or elderly residents carrying cash.
A new law taking effect Sept. 1 will give prosecutors more power to stop these crimes before they happen. House Bill 1902 was created to address what many in law enforcement call a growing and dangerous trend.
“This isn’t just a crime of opportunity. These suspects are organized, coordinated, and deliberate,” said one law enforcement official at a Thursday press conference.
What is jugging?
Jugging happens when suspects surveil people making cash withdrawals or deposits at banks, credit unions, or ATMs. Once they identify a target, suspects follow them — sometimes to gas stations, grocery stores, or even their homes — and either break into their vehicle or use force to take the money.
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz called the tactic “predatory theft,” explaining that crews often work in teams, use surveillance tools, and communicate via apps. Many victims are followed during routine errands without knowing they are being watched.
“These suspects don’t just wake up and look for a victim — they strategize. They watch people go about their daily business. It’s very calculated,” Diaz said.
Jugging incidents have been reported in The Woodlands, Katy, League City, Galveston, and other parts of Texas. Some suspects have been linked to violent robberies and even homicides.
What House Bill 1902 does
For years, law enforcement struggled to prosecute jugging cases effectively. Suspects often faced only misdemeanor theft or burglary charges, even when caught following someone from a bank.
House Bill 1902 changes that.
“Even if they don’t complete the crime, it’s still going to be a state jail felony,” said Carmen Morales, assistant district attorney for Montgomery County. “That’s the beauty of this bill — it allows us to act before someone gets hurt.”
The law creates a new offense targeting “preparatory behavior.” If someone is found following a person from a financial institution while carrying criminal instruments — such as a window punch, mask, or using their car as part of the crime — they can be charged with a felony.
The bill also increases penalties for jugging cases involving threats, pain, or force. What might have been a misdemeanor can now be charged as a third-degree or even first-degree felony.
“Right now, if someone follows you from a bank and breaks into your car, that’s a Class A misdemeanor. But after Sept. 1, that same case could be a felony,” Morales said.
Organized and repeat offenders
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said many suspects arrested recently had criminal records or were on probation or parole.
“These aren’t one-time offenders,” Doolittle said. “They’re repeat players, and we’re working with agencies across the region to stop them before they strike.”
At the press conference, law enforcement showed surveillance footage of suspects staking out banks and following victims. One man wearing an ankle monitor was caught inside a bank watching customers before meeting with co-conspirators in the parking lot.
Task force operations have succeeded thanks to cooperation among the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Montgomery County prosecutors. Tools like drones, real-time crime centers, and license plate readers have helped officers track jugging suspects.
Education and prevention efforts
Law enforcement leaders emphasized the public’s role in preventing jugging.
Doolittle said they are working with banks to educate employees and customers on spotting suspicious behavior. Public awareness campaigns are also being developed to teach people how to protect themselves.
“Slow down. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t stop at multiple places after withdrawing large amounts of cash,” Doolittle advised. “And if something doesn’t feel right — go back inside the bank or call 911.”
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas app or by contacting local police.
“There are cases where we stopped a jugging because someone made that call,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “That awareness could be the difference between stopping a theft and responding to a victim.”
What’s next
Officials say House Bill 1902 will be a powerful tool, but their goal is prevention, not just prosecution.
“We’re not going to tolerate repeat offenders. We’re not even going to tolerate a single offense,” Morales said. “If you prey on people leaving banks, we’re coming after you.”
Prosecutors plan to use the law starting Sept. 1. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues tracking known jugging crews and preparing for more arrests.
“This is about staying one step ahead,” Doolittle said. “And making sure people in our communities feel safe doing something as simple as going to the bank.”
