Ex-convict with 14 prior offenses arrested for stealing a cellphone on the subway 47 days after release

A man in his 60s with 14 prior convictions was arrested for stealing a cellphone on the subway just 47 days after being released from prison while struggling with homelessness and trying to earn living expenses.

On the 3rd, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Subway Police Unit announced that they had arrested Mr. A, a man in his 60s, on charges of stealing a mobile phone on the 20th of last month. Mr. A (right) stealing the victim's mobile phone at Hongdae Entrance Station of the Seoul subway on the 9th of last month. /Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

On the 3rd, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Subway Police Unit announced that they had arrested a man in his 60s, identified as Mr. A, on charges of stealing a cellphone on the 20th of last month.

Mr. A was caught on charges of stealing cellphones from victims who were drunk and asleep on the platforms of Hongdaeipgu Station and Euljiro 4-ga Station in the early mornings of October 9, 26, and 28. The police received a report on October 13 stating, "My cellphone was stolen while I was asleep on a subway platform bench," and began an investigation. By analyzing CCTV footage from the subway platform, they captured Mr. A acting suspiciously?removing the cellphone from the victim’s hand and pretending to place it on the opposite side before fleeing. The police obtained intelligence that Mr. A frequently appeared at a bicycle racing track located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, and after a 20-day stakeout, they apprehended him.

Mr. A targeted victims who were drunk and asleep on subway platforms or inside subway cars during late night and early morning hours to steal their belongings. The police conducted further investigations and uncovered two additional offenses committed on October 26 and 28. Mr. A, with 14 prior convictions, had already been arrested 12 times and detained 8 times for similar crimes using the same methods. He was released at the end of August and had no fixed residence or job, committing the crimes just 47 days after his release. It is reported that Mr. A stated he committed the crimes again to secure living expenses while living a homeless life.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Subway Police Unit reported that this year they have arrested a total of 46 individuals, including 5 pickpockets, 26 snatch thieves, and 15 fencing offenders, with 25 of them detained. A police official stated, "We plan to continue tracking crimes occurring in the subway by utilizing accumulated crime data."

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