San Antonio, Texas, December 4, 2025
San Antonio authorities have reported a troubling increase in ‘jugging’ crimes, linked to organized crime from Houston. Thieves are targeting bank customers, stealing significant amounts of cash from vehicles. With losses ranging from $20,000 to $90,000 per incident, police are urging residents to remain vigilant during the holiday season. Recommendations include using drive-thru services and concealing cash. A new state law has classified jugging as a district felony, allowing for harsher penalties for offenders.
San Antonio, Texas
The San Antonio Police Department has issued a warning to residents regarding a troubling escalation in “jugging” crimes, where thieves stalk bank customers and subsequently steal their cash from vehicles. This uptick is reportedly tied to organized crime crews from Houston that are specifically targeting banks in the area.
Surge in Jugging Incidents
Recently, San Antonio police reported a notable rise in jugging incidents, with losses varying from $20,000 to $90,000 per individual case. The South Side of the city, particularly the I-10 corridor and adjacent bank clusters situated in shopping areas, has become hotspots for these crimes. Law enforcement has identified many of the suspects as being from Houston and nearby regions, signaling potential organized criminal activity. For example, in November, a 33-year-old man was arrested after following a bank customer home and burglarizing their vehicle, underscoring the seriousness of this issue. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly as the holiday season approaches, and to report any suspicious activities immediately.
Understanding Jugging
Jugging is characterized by criminals monitoring bank patrons as they withdraw significant amounts of cash, later following them to steal the money, either through vehicle burglaries or direct confrontations. The prevalence of these crimes in San Antonio is alarming, with losses estimated at around $250,000 in the past year alone. The majority of identified suspects hail from various regions of Texas, including Houston and its surrounding counties.
Safety Recommendations
To mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of jugging, local residents are advised to utilize drive-thru banking services wherever possible, keep cash envelopes well-concealed, and remain cognizant of their surroundings at all times. If someone suspects they are being followed, they should avoid returning home and consider calling the police or heading to a nearby police substation. Authorities reinforce the necessity of vigilance, particularly during the holiday season when such crimes may see an uptick.
Background on Jugging
This crime, classified as jugging, has been gaining traction in several parts of Texas, specifically in San Antonio and Houston. In response to the rise in these offenses, law enforcement agencies have implemented various strategies aimed at curbing jugging incidents and providing protection to residents.
Recent Developments
In light of the recent surge in jugging cases, San Antonio police have begun working closely with bank representatives to promote discreet reporting of suspicious vehicles and to alert customers. A newly enacted state law now categorizes jugging as a district felony offense, which permits harsher penalties for offenders. Despite these legislative efforts, there remains an emphasis on public vigilance, urging citizens to report any unusual activity which might help in combating this growing threat.
Conclusion
The uptick in jugging crimes within San Antonio, particularly those affiliated with organized crime from Houston, has sparked concern among residents. It is vital for individuals to adopt necessary safety measures, stay alert to their environment, and promptly report any suspicious behavior to assist law enforcement in effectively tackling this pressing issue.
FAQ
What is jugging?
Jugging is a crime where thieves follow bank customers after they withdraw large sums of money, then steal the cash from their vehicles or through direct confrontation.
Why is jugging on the rise in San Antonio?
San Antonio police have observed a significant increase in jugging incidents, with losses ranging from $20,000 to $90,000 per case. The South Side of the city has been particularly affected, with the I-10 corridor and clusters of banks in shopping areas identified as “hot spots” for these crimes.
What are the safety recommendations to avoid being a victim of jugging?
Residents are advised to use drive-thru services when possible, conceal cash envelopes, and remain alert to their surroundings. If they believe they are being followed, they should avoid going home, call the police, or head to a police substation.
What is being done to combat jugging in San Antonio?
San Antonio police have been collaborating with bank representatives to encourage discreet reporting of suspicious vehicles and to warn customers. The new state law classifies jugging as a district felony offense, allowing for more severe penalties for offenders.
Who are the suspects involved in jugging incidents in San Antonio?
The majority of suspects identified have been from different parts of Texas, including Houston and surrounding counties.
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Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Surge in Jugging Incidents | Significant increase in jugging crimes in San Antonio, with losses ranging from $20,000 to $90,000 per case. |
| Suspects’ Origins | Majority of suspects identified have been from different parts of Texas, including Houston and surrounding counties. |
| Safety Recommendations | Use drive-thru services, conceal cash envelopes, and remain alert to surroundings. If followed, avoid going home, call the police, or head to a police substation. |
| Law Enforcement Measures | Collaboration with bank representatives to encourage discreet reporting of suspicious vehicles and warn customers. New state law classifies jugging as a district felony offense, allowing for more severe penalties for offenders. |
Now Happening on X
- @ExpressNews (December 4, 2025, 2:30 AM) San Antonio jugging thefts targeting bank customers are on the rise, according to police reports highlighting increased incidents in local areas. View on X
- @Jonathan_TVNews (December 4, 2025, 2:39 AM) San Antonio police are boosting patrols to counter holiday vehicle burglaries at shopping centers amid rising concerns over public safety. View on X
- @HelenCasey1970 (December 4, 2025, 1:32 AM) San Antonio police arrested a man after a violent disturbance on the South Side that injured an officer, following reports of harassment toward women. View on X
- @KABBFOX29 (December 3, 2025, 10:44 PM) San Antonio police are increasing patrols to address holiday robberies and vehicle burglaries at shopping centers, focusing on community safety during the season. View on X
- @ExpressNews (December 2, 2025, 12:15 AM) A man was arrested after threatening to open fire on the River Walk, as part of ongoing public safety efforts in San Antonio. View on X
- @KENS5 (December 1, 2025, 6:00 AM) A San Antonio man was arrested following a nearly seven-hour standoff after threatening to kill his roommate on the west side. View on X
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- @BexarBrief (December 1, 2025, 3:02 AM) Police responded to an armed suspect barricaded inside a San Antonio home, part of active investigations into public safety threats. View on X
- @News4SA (November 29, 2025, 5:50 AM) A suspect remains at large after allegedly holding a woman at knifepoint while attempting to drag her into an alleyway in San Antonio. View on X
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