Parts of SC hit with criminal ‘jugging’ incidents. Here’s what that means

Have you ever heard of jugging?

Not the fishing kind. The robbery kind.

Folks in the Upstate are getting a tutorial on something that is apparently common in Houston, Texas.

Last Thursday, Simpsonville Police began investigating an autobreaking they believe to be a jugging incident.

“Jugging is a targeted crime where a victim is observed withdrawing cash from a bank or ATM, and followed to another location,” Simpsonville Police said on Facebook.

The suspects, who usually work in teams, will either rob the person or break into their vehicle or home.

Simpsonville Police Chief Michael Hanshaw said in a news release officers were called to a residence on Spring Leaf Court in reference to an autobreaking during which money was stolen. He did not say how much.

The victim had gone to a local bank to withdrew the money that was stolen.

“With collaboration with several different agencies, our Investigators were able to find out that there was a rash of autobreakings in different parts of Greenville County that occurred soon after the owner of the vehicles withdrew cash from a bank and left the cash in the vehicle,” he said.

Chelsea Deon River, 32, of Houston, Texas, and Roland Charles III, 24, also of Houston, have been arrested and charged with autobreaking, conspiracy, and petit larceny. Both suspects were arraigned and given a bond of $52,100 each.

River was released on bond Sunday, according to Greenville County public records. Charles remained in custody in the Greenville County Detention Center Tuesday afternoon, according to jail records.

Also working the case were the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Several suspects were arrested for multiple incidents in the Greenville area.

Mauldin Police, meanwhile posted on Facebook about this as a growing crime and said, “These thieves target people who appear to be carrying large sums of cash and wait for the opportunity to break into their vehicle at another location — often a shopping center, gas station, or even home.”

They watch for bank bags, cash envelopes and visible withdrawals at the ATM, Mauldin Police said.

Simpsonville Police offered tips to avoid being a victim:

• Be aware of your surroundings and anyone that appears to be following you

• Conceal your cash or valuables, and remove them upon getting home

• Complete online or mobile transactions when possible

• Report any suspicious activity or incidents to your local law enforcement agency.

• If you have been a victim, or know someone who has, contact the Simpsonville Police Department at (864) 967-9536 or your local law enforcement agency.

Mauldin Police added to vary banking habits and routes and don’t drive home if you think you’re being followed. Drive instead to the closest police station or call 911.

This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM.