Man arrested for stealing money from people's vehicles after they left Nassau County banks
Thieves often watch for victims to leave their vehicles unattended and break in and steal cash and other valuables left inside.
Fabio Diaz Sierra, 46, of College Point is facing multiple larceny and criminal mischief charges after allegedly following people who had just left the bank and breaking into their vehicles to steal the money.
The pattern is called 'bank jugging.'
Thieves often watch for victims to leave their vehicles unattended and break in and steal cash and other valuables left inside.
As News 12 has reported, Nassau police have seen an increase in these thefts, especially with victims coming from banks or ATMs.
"You never know when someone could be watching you," Manhasset resident Christopher Madison says. "Somebody could be watching you from across the street, in their car, binoculars. Anything. I'm going to be more conscious of it now."
Police say Diaz Sierra was involved in three incidents. They say there was one incident in October in Garden City Park and two in November in Mineola and Garden City Park.
In Garden City Park, two victims withdrew money from Chase Bank on Jericho Turnpike.
In Mineola, a victim withdrew money from TD Bank located on Jericho Turnpike.
Nassau police say after the leaving the bank, they went to different locations and when the victim returned to their vehicle, the money was removed and windows were broken.
"It's a little unsafe, if they're going to that degree it's kind of concerning," Garden City Park resident Bruce Barchak says. "I don't usually leave anything in the car."
Diaz Sierra was released on an appearance ticket and released to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Police say it's important to not leave any valuables or money inside the car and make sure it's locked before you walk away.
