2 men accused of “bank jugging” in Osceola County

Two men accused of breaking into a car are facing burglary charges and possible deportation, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said.

Sheriff Marcos Lopez called it a case of “bank jugging.”

That’s when crooks follow people from an ATM or a bank, hoping to steal cash.

Lopez said on March 28, an owner quickly called 911 after seeing a man break into his car at The Crosslands Shopping Center in Kissimmee.

Investigators said a second man drove a getaway vehicle, but deputies were soon able to catch up with the suspects and discreetly keep tabs on them from unmarked patrol cars and a helicopter.

Deputies eventually arrested the two men after they parked outside a bank off Winter Garden Vineland Road in Windermere.

Jose Pena-Silva, 36, and Daniel Campuzano-Moreno, 28, have been charged with burglary and criminal mischief.

Lopez said in a social media post that both men “are here illegally.”

Lopez and his agency noted that bank jugging remains a trend across the country, but said there are steps citizens can take to lessen their chances of being victimized, including:

• Be aware of your surroundings; pay attention to people and vehicles around you, especially in and around bank parking lots

• Conceal your cash; don’t only carry cash envelopes, secure it in your pocket or somewhere secure

• Avoid distractions; don’t use your phone or wear earbuds while in or around the bank and be mindful of your surroundings

• Alter your routine to avoid predictable banking habits

• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to a safe location and call law enforcement

• Don’t leave cash in your vehicle

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