Crime has been a growing issue in Texas in recent years, and now the Legislature may tackle one of the fastest-growing crimes in Houston and around the state. State Rep. David Cook (R-Fort Worth) has introduced HB 1902, a bill to make "jugging" a separate criminal offense in Texas. "Jugging" is when thieves target people leaving banks and follow victims to rob them or break into their vehicles. Cook's bill would create a first-degree felony for any robbery committed during a "jugging," and a third-degree felony for a vehicle break-in during a "jugging."
"Jugging" has been such a problem in Houston in recent years, it prompted HPD to form a special task force devoted to it. A "jugging" incident also led to the injury of two HPD officers last year. Andy Kahan, director of victims services at Houston Crime Stoppers, likes the idea of Cook's bill. "He's absolutely right, (jugging) is a prevailing problem, and perhaps it's time for it to be given its own identity as its own crime, instead of lumping it into robbery," he tells KTRH.
"I see absolutely no downside to bringing this (bill) up for discussion," continues Kahan. "Let's talk about it, see the pros and cons, and take it from there."
However, Kahan warns that passing a new law will only help if it is matched with strong enforcement. "Tough talk is cheap," he says. "You know, I see the rhetoric all the time...but whether that actually amounts to someone going to (prison) for a long time, that's the real issue."