We would all like to believe that the shooting community is immune to this kind of criminal element but there is evil everywhere.
After closing the range the other night a OC Sheriffs cruiser pulled into the parking lot and wanted to know if we were alright.
Seems that they had received a call for help in the vicinity but the caller hung up before giving any additional information so they were checking buildings in the area and naturally we were the first on the list.
We were fine and and let him know that no one called and we didn’t hear or see anything. The officer started to drive off but then stopped to give us a little FYI. Seems that a few days ago they took a report from one of our customers that after shooting they left the range and stopped off to eat. While enjoying lunch he had his car broken into and his guns stolen. The detectives were trying to piece things together and suggested it might not have been a random burglary. It didn’t seem as if it was a crime of opportunity because their gun bags were out of sight in the trunk, and in a parking lot of 50 - 60 cars their were no other reported thefts all day.
They believe they may have been followed from the range or at least targeted because they were at the range. I cringe to think that “Jugging” is now something to really worry about when you have a Range Day.
“Jugging” is a type of crime that is gaining popularity. It’s especially popular in immigrant areas where many residents and merchants use and handle a lot of cash.
In an interview with Lt. Marcus Booth of the San Antonio Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit, he said, “Criminals are monitoring banks, sitting outside and watching people going in and conducting transactions and then walking outside generally with a large envelope in their hand. In many cases, officials say the suspects watch their victims from a distance with binoculars. The victims are so far away that they don’t even know what’s going on. People will drive away, go somewhere else -- maybe go to a restaurant or another commercial business, perhaps leave that envelope in their vehicle. And these criminals are breaking into the vehicles and stealing those envelopes.”
When you think about it, “Jugging” at a gun range actually makes perfect, sick, pathetic sense.
Unless you’re renting a gun you will always come and leave with something valuable to a potential criminal and they know it. If you’re not just shooting your carry weapon you will always need to leave your weapons locked in the car/truck if you make a stop on the way home. Your vehicle becomes an easy and lucrative target.
So, what to do?
Acknowledge the risks and act accordingly.
If you and the gang are stopping for a bite to eat after a range day be mindful of your surroundings. Situational awareness is a must. If you can, keep the car in eyesight and carry your backpacks with you. If you travel with hard cases or long guns maybe consider going home first then heading back out to eat. I know it’s an inconvenience but unfortunately these are the times we live in. Your guns make you a high-value target.
If you shoot at a public range be mindful of who you talk to and more importantly, who’s listening to you.
Casually announcing to everyone within earshot what your immediate plans are when you leave may not be a good idea. Best to have those conversations with your group in the parking lot.
We would all like to believe that the shooting community is immune to this kind of criminal element but there is evil everywhere. Sin knows no bounds. Watch your 6 everyone.
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