Increase in 'Gwangju 112 Dispatches' After Social Distancing Lifted

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] In the first half of this year, when the social distancing guidelines for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) were fully lifted, the number of 112 emergency call dispatch reports in the Gwangju area slightly increased.

According to the analysis of 112 call data by the Gwangju Police Agency on the 14th, the total number of 112 calls in the first half of this year (January to June) was recorded at 257,197 cases.

Among these, the number of dispatch call reports, excluding counseling and guidance terminations (non-dispatch), was 146,925 cases, which is an increase of 9,933 cases (7.3%) compared to the same period last year.

The number of 112 dispatch call reports also increased by 5.9% compared to the average of the first half of the three years before the spread of COVID-19 (2017?2019).

Specifically, serious crimes increased by 13.2% compared to the previous year, approaching the levels before the spread of COVID-19.

In particular, compared to the first half of last year, reports of crimes against socially vulnerable groups increased, with dating violence up 94.4%, sexual violence up 17.8%, and domestic violence up 12.3% respectively.

Other crimes increased by 11.4% compared to the same period last year, with stalking up 239.3%, threats up 102%, school violence up 85.4%, animal abuse up 61%, and phishing scams up 46.4% respectively.

Following the full lifting of social distancing and increased outdoor activities, traffic-related reports increased by 4.7% compared to the first half of 2021, with traffic violations up 25.9% and drunk driving up 19.6% respectively.

The Gwangju Police Agency noted that since the lifting of social distancing on April 18, the mobile population movement in the Gwangju area increased by 7.4%, and 112 call volume increased by 19%, anticipating that 112 calls will further increase in the second half of the year starting with the upcoming summer vacation season.

A police official stated, "Based on the analysis results of 112 call volumes, we will focus our policing capabilities on crimes expected to increase," adding, "In particular, we plan to fully cooperate among police functions to respond on-site to sensitive cases targeting socially vulnerable groups or those with a high risk of reoffending."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.