Bank jugging cases have also surged in Virginia, Florida, Texas and California, according to various media outlets.

The Maryland investigation found that the suspects identified victims as they exited financial institutions and then approached them with firearms or physical force to carry out the robberies, Brown said. Initially, victims were robbed in parking lots at their credit union or bank as they entered their cars. Eventually, the criminals began trailing victims to their homes or other destinations to commit the crimes.

Authorities said the arrested individuals belonged to two separate but similarly operating groups. The first group allegedly committed 20 robberies or attempted robberies from August 2023 to January 2024. After those arrests, a second group emerged, which was linked to 14 incidents between May and July 2024.

Those arrested were: Tyriq Jayron Walker, 25, of Upper Marlboro, Md.; Gary Gerald Cloutterbuck, 25, of Washington, D.C.; Zavier Emmanuel Williams, 25, of Upper Marlboro; Robert Darrell Hill, 23, of White Plains, Md.; Dujuan Kenneth Smalls, 20, of Upper Marlboro; Roland Adrian Thompson, 22, of Washington, D.C.; and Jeremy Adarryn Manago, 19, of Capitol Heights, Md.

The FBI’s Baltimore office issued a public alert about bank jugging last summer in response to the emerging trend.

The agency recommended persons should stay alert when visiting bank or credit union branches and ATMs by looking out for individuals loitering or sitting in parked vehicles without conducting business. Avoid getting out of your vehicle if you notice suspicious activity nearby and report it immediately.

The FBI also suggested that you conceal your cash before leaving a branch and secure your money in a discreet place such as a pocket or bag. Staying off your phone can help you stay alert when you leave the branch or ATM. If you believe someone is following you, drive to a police station or a busy or well-lit location and dial 911 immediately.

Peter Strozniak can be reached at [email protected].