A police department in Los Angeles County warned residents on Wednesday to take extra caution when withdrawing cash at banks and ATMs.

“The Burbank Police Department has seen an uptick in the crime of ‘bank jugging’ vehicle burglaries,” the department stated in a news release.

“Bank jugging” describes the practice of criminals sitting in bank parking lots and watching customers come and go, targeting people carrying bank envelopes, money bags or coin boxes.

“Thieves will select a customer they believe to be in possession of a large amount of currency and will follow the customer to their next destination, at which point they break into the victim’s vehicle and steal the money from within,” police said.

‘Bank jugging’: Tips to protect yourself

Tips to protect yourself:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially occupied parked vehicles in the parking lot
• Conceal money before entering and exiting the bank
• Be aware of anyone who may be watching or following you
• DO NOT leave your bank envelope, money bag, coin box, or currency in your vehicle
• If you suspect you are being targeted or followed, call the police immediately

Anyone who sees a crime in progress or something that appears to be suspicious was asked to report it to the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3000.