Are You Being Targeted in New Crime Trend in ID, WA, and UT?

Crime has been on the rise since the weather got warmer in Idaho. As the snow melts, the temperatures rise, and more and more people make their way to Idaho during the summer, it is common to see more crime. Kids are out of school and bored, the days are longer, and more tourists are in town. All of these add up to an increase in crime, but criminals are evolving and getting smarter, and changing the way they decide who to target and what they want to go after. A new crime trend has been spreading throughout the states recently, and there are a few things to know so you don't become another target.

New Crime Trend in Idaho

Being the target of a crime is something nobody ever hopes to experience, and typically when someone is targeted there is a reason. It can be that you did something to upset the criminal, they already know you, or perhaps there is a different reason, which could make you a target for this new trend. According to a recent story in the New York Post, criminals have begun using a trend called 'jugging' and you may be a target for a crime without realizing it. Usually, thieves look for easy targets to get a quick grab and run, but this new trend shows that criminals are evolved and putting more thought into their crime than many realized. 

'Jugging' Crime Trend in Idaho

What is 'jugging'? It is the trend where criminals are watching and stocking their targets, not because they think you are an easy snatch and run, but because of where you shop, the amount of money you took out of the bank, or that they saw you withdraw cash at a register. This is orchestrated and thought out. They watch shoppers come out of high-end stores with valuable products like high-end jewelry, purses, and clothes, or that they withdrew hundreds of dollars from the bank and then follow them. They wait until you get to your next destination, likely your home or a place that is less public, and then will get out and steal your recent purchase, your wallet loaded with cash, or whatever they expect you to have of value. In many cases, they will harm the victim in the process. 

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Make sure after leaving any bank or store after buying something of value that you make sure to check you are not being followed home. If you suspect you are, make sure to contact local authorities, drive to a public place, or call someone to be at your next destination so you are never alone when you get out of your vehicle. It is best to not go straight home if you suspect someone is following you, as they may come back and know where you live. 'Jugging' isn't entirely new, but it is catching on and to avoid being a victim, make sure to be aware of your surroundings at all times. For more on this new trend, click on the link in the second paragraph above.