OKC police say "jugging" suspects stole $10k from metro bank customer

Customers of a metro bank have become targets for thieves. Oklahoma City police are investigating two recent cases of "jugging" after victims left a bank near Southwest 89th Street and Western Avenue.

Police said jugging suspects wait for customers to leave a bank with a large amount of cash, then follow them to their next location. The suspects often steal the money by robbing the victim or taking it from an unlocked vehicle.

“Friday was a busy day at the bank,” said Shane Wehling, a theft victim.

Wehling had to make a $10,000 withdrawal for his construction business last week.

“Equipment and things—you have to have cash to purchase,” Wehling said. “A lot of used equipment.”

Wehling left the bank in southwest Oklahoma City and drove home to Blanchard.

“I didn’t notice anyone following me,” he said. “I was pretty vigilant walking out of the bank.”

Within a minute of taking his 2-year-old child inside their home, thieves made off with the thousands of dollars left in his car.

“I saw them peeling out of here,” Wehling said.

Police said another person reported a similar theft after leaving the same bank the week before.

“The thief takes this opportunity to steal from the victim when they’re least expecting it,” said Sgt. Dillon Quirk, Oklahoma City Police Department.

Authorities say there are ways to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of jugging.

“If you’re going to leave the bank with a large amount of cash, do it discreetly,” Quirk said. “Be able to hide that so it’s not obvious you’re leaving the bank with that amount of money.”

Wehling's small business took a big hit, and now he warns others to be cautious.

“You never thought it could happen to you, but it will,” Wehling said. “It could.”

Wehling said he was thankful there was no confrontation with the suspect since his child was with him.

Investigators obtained video from the bank and Flock cameras showing the suspect’s car. Police confirmed the vehicle was an out-of-state rental.