A string of robbery and theft incidents targeting women and seniors leaving Korean markets with their groceries has raised concerns, prompting calls for heightened vigilance. Despite the presence of witnesses and CCTV footage due to the high foot traffic in these markets, perpetrators continue to commit bold crimes in broad daylight, often without aggressive police follow-up, increasing anxiety among the Korean community.

A Korean woman, Ms. Kim, recently fell victim to a robbery in a Koreatown market parking lot. After shopping and checking out as usual, she pushed her cart to her parked car. She placed her handbag and other bags on the passenger seat, then opened the trunk to load her groceries. In that brief moment, she witnessed a Hispanic-looking man snatch her bag from the passenger seat and flee. Another accomplice was waiting nearby in a getaway car, and the two thieves sped off instantly, leaving Ms. Kim with no time to note the vehicle’s license plate.

Such robbery and theft incidents in market parking lots continue unabated. Last February, two similar crimes occurred in a single day at a Korean market parking lot in East LA. One victim, Ms. Lee, was injured during a robbery attempt. While loading groceries into her trunk and preparing to place her handbag on the passenger seat, a masked Hispanic man opened the passenger door and tried to snatch her bag. The bag’s strap was still on her shoulder, and as the thief yanked it, Ms. Lee resisted, injuring her arm. Overpowered, she ultimately lost her bag, which contained $1,000 in cash, her phone, and other valuables.

In August last year, a report of an armed robbery involving a handgun was filed at a Koreatown market. A male suspect brandished a gun at a Korean woman in her vehicle, demanding her wallet. She managed to escape by jumping out of the car, but the suspect stole her wallet and fled in a nearby getaway vehicle. Police described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his 30s with black hair.

Additionally, “distraction thefts” targeting women and seniors are becoming more frequent. In another incident at a Koreatown market parking lot, a Korean woman was loading her groceries and bags into her car when a man approached, claiming her front tire was flat. While she checked the tire, an accomplice swiftly stole her handbag and valuables from the passenger seat and fled.

By Reporter Hwang Eui-kyung