According to the Seongnam government in Gyeonggi Province, using thief detection methods on gas pipes and windows saw the crime rates in high risk areas in the region drop by 24.5 percent over the past three years. (Image: Seongnam City)
SEOUL, Jul. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — A number of local governments in South Korea have experienced success after adopting thief detection powder in high-crime neighborhoods to fend off burglars.
According to the Seongnam government in Gyeonggi Province, using thief detection methods on gas pipes and windows saw the crime rates in high risk areas in the region drop by 24.5 percent over the past three years.
Visible stains on burglars’ clothes left by the special thief detection materials don’t wash off easily, which significantly helps law enforcement arrest the culprits.
With signs and banners warning potential criminals of the use of thief detection materials, it has also proven to be an effective crime prevention method.
While the city is set to receive a 100 million won outlay from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government to protect an additional 6,500 households in the region by the end of this year, government officials in Suwon also announced plans last month to continue the use of the special UV powder in a bid to tackle crimes targeting marginalized members of society, as they experienced crime rate drops in recent years.
According to data provided by the police, the number of robberies in the region decreased from 38 to 26, while the figures for burglary dropped from around 6,500 to 5,600 over the same period.
Seo District in Incheon has also been on board since last March after reaching an agreement with local residents to use UV theft detection powder in high crime neighborhoods to curb crime.
Visible stains on burglars’ clothes left by the special thief detection materials don’t wash off easily, which significantly helps law enforcement arrest the culprits. (Image: Kobiz Media)
Speaking to a local media outlet, Kang Bum-seok, the head of the district office, said he hopes to transform the neighborhood into a safe area through a collective effort between private citizens, law enforcement and the local government.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
