Two people were robbed Monday afternoon outside two different banks within minutes in the Annapolis area, Anne Arundel County police said.County police said officers were called around 4 p.m. to the Truist Bank in the 2300 block of Solomons Island Road, where a man returning to his car was approached by two men, one of whom had a handgun. Police said the men stole money from the victim and fled in a dark-colored sedan.County police said officers were called about a half hour later to the Navy Federal Credit Union in the 800 block of Bestgate Road, where a man returning to his car after using the ATM was approached by two men, each armed with a handgun. The assailants demanded cash from the victim, who complied. The assailants fled in a dark-colored sedan that was spotted by an officer, but the vehicle got away.Investigators are still looking into whether these incidents are connected.Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-222-1960 or the Anne Arundel County police tip line at 410-222-4700.Some people said they were surprised."The fact that you did this to an older adult, I don't like bullies. And, so the fact that you took advantage of an older person that way is just it's crazy me," said Kisha Bowles, who frequents Annapolis.Police said instances of this kind of targeted crime, which they call "bank jugging," are on the rise regionally."It appears that these opportunistic criminals are targeting individuals who are going into banks and sometimes exiting, whether it be money in an envelope or they're kind of watching them, preying on them, if you will, as they're at an ATM and they wait for them to get back to their cars and that's when they rob them at gunpoint," Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy told 11 News.People are hoping everyone take steps to keep themselves safe."You keep your eyes on the swivel, your head's on the swivel," said Roger Edwards, who frequents Annapolis. "There is no respect anymore. For the elderly, for the young, for the middle grade, you know, it just, there is no respect for, for somebody else's stuff."Police are offering the following precautions when withdrawing cash from banks or ATMs.Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to anyone who may be observing your activities outside a bank or at an ATM.Conceal cash and bank-related items: Store cash in a discreet manner, such as in a purse or wallet, and avoid displaying bank bags or envelopes that may draw attention.Vary your routine: Criminals often look for patterns, so change your habits when it comes to banking and cash withdrawals. Secure your vehicle: Ensure that your vehicle is locked, windows are closed, and valuables are not visible in an effort to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target. Report suspicious activity: If you notice someone acting suspiciously or believe you are being followed, report it to the police as soon as possible. The Anne Arundel County Police Department's non-emergency number is 410-222-8610. For crimes in progress, crimes of violence or other emergencies, call or text 911.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. —
Two people were robbed Monday afternoon outside two different banks within minutes in the Annapolis area, Anne Arundel County police said.
County police said officers were called around 4 p.m. to the Truist Bank in the 2300 block of Solomons Island Road, where a man returning to his car was approached by two men, one of whom had a handgun. Police said the men stole money from the victim and fled in a dark-colored sedan.
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County police said officers were called about a half hour later to the Navy Federal Credit Union in the 800 block of Bestgate Road, where a man returning to his car after using the ATM was approached by two men, each armed with a handgun. The assailants demanded cash from the victim, who complied. The assailants fled in a dark-colored sedan that was spotted by an officer, but the vehicle got away.
Investigators are still looking into whether these incidents are connected.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-222-1960 or the Anne Arundel County police tip line at 410-222-4700.
Some people said they were surprised.
"The fact that you did this to an older adult, I don't like bullies. And, so the fact that you took advantage of an older person that way is just it's crazy me," said Kisha Bowles, who frequents Annapolis.
Police said instances of this kind of targeted crime, which they call "bank jugging," are on the rise regionally.
"It appears that these opportunistic criminals are targeting individuals who are going into banks and sometimes exiting, whether it be money in an envelope or they're kind of watching them, preying on them, if you will, as they're at an ATM and they wait for them to get back to their cars and that's when they rob them at gunpoint," Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy told 11 News.
People are hoping everyone take steps to keep themselves safe.
"You keep your eyes on the swivel, your head's on the swivel," said Roger Edwards, who frequents Annapolis. "There is no respect anymore. For the elderly, for the young, for the middle grade, you know, it just, there is no respect for, for somebody else's stuff."
Police are offering the following precautions when withdrawing cash from banks or ATMs.
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to anyone who may be observing your activities outside a bank or at an ATM.
Conceal cash and bank-related items: Store cash in a discreet manner, such as in a purse or wallet, and avoid displaying bank bags or envelopes that may draw attention.
Vary your routine: Criminals often look for patterns, so change your habits when it comes to banking and cash withdrawals.
Secure your vehicle: Ensure that your vehicle is locked, windows are closed, and valuables are not visible in an effort to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target.
Report suspicious activity: If you notice someone acting suspiciously or believe you are being followed, report it to the police as soon as possible. The Anne Arundel County Police Department's non-emergency number is 410-222-8610. For crimes in progress, crimes of violence or other emergencies, call or text 911.
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