Crime Prevention on 25/1/21

On this month’s Crimecall Sergeant Graham Kavanagh Crime Prevention Officer discussed the decrease in the number of incidents of thefts from cars / vans in retail car parks due to the Covid-19 restrictions being in place and giving the criminals less opportunities to target cars.

Sergeant Kavanagh examined the statistics on when the incidents are occurring most frequently, how the criminals are gaining access to the vehicles and what is being taken.

Advice was given to viewers on safe parking including the following:

• Ensure your car is parked in a busy, well-lit secure area.
• Secure all doors, close all windows and ensure your car alarm is set
• Double check that all the doors of the vehicle are locked
• Ensure you take valuable property with you. Do not leave the property on view inside the car.
• Report all thefts from cars or suspicious activity to Gardaí and notify any car park attendants or security staff.

Sergeant Kavanagh also discussed Bank Jugging – this occurs when customers go into a bank, they are watched by persons who wait patiently for them to come out with a bank bag, coin box or bank envelope that looks like they may have a large amount of cash. They then follow the customer and break into their car or steal from the victim directly.

These types of crimes usually occur at the destination the victim stops at after leaving the bank, such as their home, shop or restaurant. When the customer attempts to leave their vehicle they become a victim and the cash is stolen.

Bank Juggers often park where they have clear visibility of the front door or the ATM. Bank Juggers will change parking spots if their visibility is obstructed.

Preventing Bank Jugging:

- Be aware of your surroundings, especially if something seems strange as you enter the bank.
- Conceal your bank deposit bags, coin boxes or envelopes as you enter and leave the bank.
- Take your bank bag or envelope with you into your next destination. Don’t hide it in your vehicle.
- Always vary your routes and times for cash drops and collections.
- Consider using electronic funds transfer rather than depositing or withdrawing cash.
- If you feel like you are being followed, call 999 and drive to a Garda station.

Always be aware of your surroundings and report anything suspicious to avoid getting “Jugged”.