Korean Job Discussion Forums

[maywaun]

My apartment was recently burglarized and all of my expensive electronics were taken. I would not normally want to post such a post however I am very concern as to how this crime could have happened to me. Reason being is because I recently went away for vacation to Japan. Before leaving I locked all my windows and doubled locked my front door. Upon returning from my trip both locks were in place (numeral key code lock and a regular front door lock that is used with a key) when I entered my home all of my electronics were taken even a 32" TV. I quickly checked all my windows and they were secure and were still locked, and so I am puzzled as to how the thieves were able to enter and leave my home, since there was no sign of entry or exit. When the police arrived they took note of this however I am not confident in finding a conclusion to this case nor the return of my items as there is a language barrier and it was very difficult to communicate with them. I am not sure what I can do while the investigate, and I do not understand if they understood what I was saying, concerning me having all the doors locked and the windows as well.
I am willing to offer a cash reward for any information that will lead to the safe return of my items and/or the arrest of the thieves, however because I do not speak or write Korean I feel that I will need some major help with it.
I have been told that there may be a universal code and key that the landlords have to enter apartments, is that true? If so who would also have access to this the universal code and key?
My computer is very important to me because I am in graduate school hoping to become a college professor, so I desperately need to find my computer (among other items that were stolen.)

[sojourner1]

Someone has a key to your apartment. It could be a former tenant, your boss, your land lord, or someone who did work in there at some point in time. If the police care to help you, they will investigate these people first and even conduct a search warrant on them to look for your property.

I suppose as many have been saying, it would be smart to replace a lock anytime you get an apartment. This may make your land lord and boss mad, but what else can you do to protect your privacy and belongings? Privacy? What is that in Korea?

[bassexpander]

Did you change the number on the keycode lock?

How about the other regular lock... did you change the key on that one?

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

How many people knew you'd be gone?

[maddog]

That's terrible. I'm sorry to hear that. I also have been a victim of theft in Korea, so I truly sympathize.

I think it's work related. Someone knew that you'd be gone and decided to help themselves to your stuff.

Reading this makes me angry, so your blood must be boiling. I hope you catch the fukker that did it. I hope you take them down a dark alley and smash 'em in.

[maywaun]

My apt is brand new and I am the first person to live there, so I thought there would be no need to change the locks, I did however change the numeral code.

The only people that knew I was going to be out of town was my maid ( who stated that on Wednesday that she was not able to get into my apartment-(although she does not know that it was becasue I had infact locked my front door with a key that she does not have a copy of), my director knew I was going out of town as well as my co-workers. Those are the only people besides my boyfriend.

[oskinny1]

[bassexpander]

My numeric lock at my brand new apartment in Bundang had a key space for it. There were a rash of burglaries in the area where someone would put putty in the lock overnight and pull it out the next day. Many of those numeral locks have key locks that don't go very deep, and are so easy to copy. That is a possibility. I'd check with your building to see if they have any CCTV tapes.

Even if you have a numeric lock, I still suggest you add your own lock that is not easily copied.

How many people knew what you had in there? Often, such burglaries can be traced back to someone who had come there earlier for a party or something, and knew what there would be around to steal.

[maddog]

[bassexpander]

I'd also find out who the locksmith was for the apartments. I have heard stories (only gossip, really) about a locksmith going back and burglarizing apartments.

[Katchafire]

Along the lines of this thread ... where might I find a locksmith? I'm going away myself in a couple of weeks, and live in a small house rather than an apartment. I'd like to add an extra bolt to the door.

Thanks in advance.

G

[maddog]

[aphase]

Also, if you have a numerical lock, you may want to clean your keypad once in awhile. By using graphite powder, or something similar, people can see which buttons were commonly pressed. The graphite powder sticks to the oils in your finger print. Probably an extra precaution you could take, though some may see this as being overly paranoid.

[maywaun]

I do not believe that it was my boyfriend, as he does not know my code nor does he have a key to my apartment. As I stated before my door was locked and all the windows were locked as well. It would have to be someone who had those things and knew that I was out of town.

I want to offer a cash reward for any information that leads to the return of my items and/or arrest of the thief. However I am not sure how to go about this? I willing to offer 500,000 won.

I was told that there are pawn shops here in Korea, fortunately, I took pictures of my stolen items and maybe this will help me to get my items back. Does anyone know where I can find a list of pawn shops in Gwangju city?

Those that have lost things have they been able to recover their items? Also are the Korean police helpful in these matters?

Thanks so much for the helpful replies!

[spliff]

I too am leaving for vacation this month and am worried about my possessions. I have many electronic devices. How can I protect myself further than locking up?

[Kimchieluver]