A new crime wave is taking over parts of Dallas and police are specifically warning people who go to the bank.
The Dallas Police Department wants residents to be on the lookout for so-called "juggers," or crooks who disable victims' cars and then while the victims go for help with their cars, they burglarize the vehicle and take money the victims had just received from an ATM or bank withdrawal.
Ken Stierwalt was one of at least seven victims in the past two months.
Stierwalt said without him noticing the thieves followed him from the bank to a gas station and while Stierwalt was pumping his gas, the crooks pulled up beside him and quickly stole the money he withdrew, which was sitting on his passenger side seat.
“I was looking over here at the gas pump. So I didn’t see anything behind me and I didn’t hear anything,” said Stierwalt. “It was just seconds. They opened the passenger side door, grabbed the money out of the front seat and took off.”
Stierwalt didn’t notice the money was gone until he got back in the car.
He said he never thought his money was in danger, especially since he was standing right next to his car.
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Police call the crime “jugging.” And said in other cases, the thieves will stab people’s tires while they’re inside the bank and when they come out and have to change the flat, the crooks will use the opportunity to break into their car to steal the money.
Police are warning people to be aware of their surroundings when they go to the bank.
“Conceal the money another way. Don’t carry it out in a bank bag,” said Dallas Police Lt. Tony Crawford.
Crawford also said bank customers need to watch out for cars that are backed into parking spots at local banks and cars where people are sitting inside but not getting out.
While driving home, if you feel as if someone is following you, call 911 and drive to the closest police station.
“When you’re walking out of the bank, make sure you’re aware of everyone around you. If you see suspicious people, make sure the doors are locked. If you see someone, call the police. It could be those guys,” said Stierwalt.
