Bank juggings, where robbers follow people from banks and target them, have been a growing problem in Houston and Texas for years, so much so that there was an effort last year to make jugging a separate crime. But now Houston Police are dealing with a case of ‘gun jugging.’ It happened this week, when a man was followed by three suspects after leaving a gun range in Southwest Houston, who then tried to rob him of his guns. A shootout ensued, with the man shooting and wounding one of the suspects while the other two fled.
If you were wondering whether ‘gun jugging’ is as prevalent as bank jugging, it’s not. “I spoke to some other detectives and we’re all pretty baffled,” says Officer Ken Nealy with HPD’s Robbery Division. “A lot of people do own handguns and other weapons in the Houston area, and there are so many places people go to get range time, but this may be one of the first times I’ve ever heard of anyone being followed home after coming from one of the ranges, where someone attempted to rob them.”
“This is a rare occurrence.”
Gun juggings are rare, but gun thefts are not. In fact, police warn that firearms are one of the most commonly targeted items by thieves. However, most thieves target unattended firearms in home or vehicle break-ins. Directly trying to rob another person of their firearm is particularly brazen, but it is a reminder that just because you’re armed doesn’t mean you won’t be targeted. “Be aware that if someone is attempting to rob you for your gun, more than likely those people are going to be armed as well, which can lead to a very dangerous and volatile situation,” says Nealy. “So I want the public to be very mindful–just like we tell them when leaving the bank—when they are coming home from the range, to be very watchful and alert for anyone who’s around them.”
“And remember, you’re not really secure until you’re safe inside your home.”