ENGLISH

Using Public Transportation
Beware of Pickpockets
The Many Ways You Can Get Your Pocket Picked
- One possibility you should always guard against in subways and buses is the possibility of having your pocket picked.
- There are so many undetectable means pickpockets use, so much so that you could be a victim without realizing it. Below are some of the most common tricks of the trade:
· Opening a bag, or tearing it with a razor blade.
· Tearing the inner pocket of a jacket or coat with a razor blade.
· Distracting a mark on a bus by asking about destinations or other information while an accomplice picks the victim’s pockets.
· Boarding a bus with the victim between two accomplices, the accomplice at the front may buy time by asking the driver questions. The accomplice at the back urges the victim onto the bus, then relieves the victim of valuables in the moment of distraction.
· One accomplice drops an object, such as a coin or a ring of keys, at the victim’s feet. While the victim bends down, the other accomplice breaks the chain of the victim’s necklace and snatches it.
· (Usually on subways) Snatching another passenger’s belongings from the shelf and getting out of the car immediately before the doors close.
· A number of accomplices board. They will then distract the passengers through means, such as by having a loud argument. Afterward, they will pick pockets while the passengers’ attention is on the commotion.
<Source: Police Agency Blog>
Protect Yourself!
- There could be a number of pickpocket methods other than the ones above, but you can take precautions to protect yourself from crime. Here are some simple yet effective measures:
· Always carry purses and bags in front of you.
· Do not fall asleep after drinking in a subway car or in a station.
· Be vigilant of anyone who bumps hard into you in the impact of the crowd.
· Do not place your wallet in your back pocket.
· Do not place valuable items, such as bags, on the subway shelf.
<Source: Seoul Metrot Blog>
What Is the Penalty?
- If found guilty, a pickpocket will be sentenced to imprisonment of not longer than six years or a fine of not more than KRW 10 million (Article 329 of the Criminal Act).
· Anyone who habitually commits or attempts the above crime jointly with five or more persons may be sentenced to imprisonment of not shorter than two years and not more than 20 years (Article 5-4 (2) of the Act on Aggravated Penalties for Certain Crimes).
- If found guilty of picking pockets while in possession of a deadly weapon or in a group of two or more people, the penalty is raised to imprisonment of not shorter than one year and not longer than ten (Article 331 (2) of the Criminal Act).
· Anyone who habitually commits or attempts the above crime jointly with five or more persons may be sentenced to imprisonment of not shorter than two years and not more than 20 years (Article 5-4 (2) of the Act on Aggravated Penalties for Certain Crimes).