This Dec. 10, 2020, file photo shows police officers on patrol duty. (Yonhap)
BUSAN, Dec. 23 (Korea Bizwire) — Police officers in the southern port city of Busan decided to help out the suspect in a series of thefts after learning of the person’s unfortunate circumstances.
According to the Busanjin Police Station, a person stole from an unmanned store in Busanjin District 16 times over seven days earlier this month.
The person stole rice, bottled water and other essentials. The items cost no more than 80,000 won (US$62.60) in total.
The police followed the CCTV cameras located near the store to track down a female suspect in her 50s.
The police investigation showed that the woman lived in the hallway of a low-cost accommodation facility, known as a “gosiwon,” with a mentally-ill husband.
She couldn’t afford a heater and stole the essentials just to survive.
Detectives in charge of investigating the suspect bought cup noodles and masks and sent them to the couple.
They also notified a local community service center to come up with measures to look after the couple.
Busan Mayor Park Hyeong-joon sent the head of the city office’s welfare bureau to the couple to bring emergency supplies, and ensure they find a place to stay.
The proportion of burglaries of less than 100,000 won in value has been on the rise, going from 26.7 percent in 2019 to 36.9 percent in 2021, according to the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
