Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kalbi]

I found this article insightful. Are you guy really careful with your bags on the subways? Do you use the overhead racks? Do you feel generally safe on Seoul subways?

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200408/kt2004082015550253460.htm

Pickpockets Target Subway Commuters During Rush Hours



By Lee Jin-woo
Staff Reporter
Police have warned subway passengers of pickpockets during morning and evening rush hours, especially on subway line 2.

According to a manual for investigating subway pickpockets issued Friday by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, 184 of 930 pocket picking cases were reported to have taken place between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the 1999-2003 period.

The time between 10 p.m. and midnight came in second with 160 cases, followed by the evening hours between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. with 135 cases. One hundred and eleven cases occurred between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and 81 cases from midnight to 2 a.m.

During evening hours, especially after 8 p.m., 352 cases, or 37.8 percent, took place as pickpockets targeted intoxicated passengers. Many of the thefts were committed as the pickpockets pretended to help their victims.

By subway lines, line 2 was plagued with 257 cases, or 27.6 percent of the total. Line 1 had 147 cases, trailed by line 4 with 120 cases and subways running through cities in Kyonggi Province with 76 cases. Line 3 came in fifth with 61 cases.

Investigators said line 2 reported the largest number of pickpockets since it is the most crowded and crosses many transfer stations, which enable pickpockets to run away more easily. Line 2 is a circulation line with a large number of subway trains running continuously, which attracted many pickpockets, the manual said.

The pocket picking cases most frequently occurred in train cars with 336 cases. The subway stations ranked second with 258 cases and the platform ranked third with 113 cases. Other various areas of the subway lines also showed 223 cases.

The manual distinguished pickpockets by certain characteristics. It said the pickpockets tend to wear glasses without any degree although they have good eyesight. Pickpockets also keep moving their eyes in order to watch their surroundings. They are mostly slim in body shape.

Investigators advised subway passengers to wear or hold their bags toward the front of their bodies and discouraged citizens from carrying their wallets in the rear pocket of their pants. Passengers are also advised not to wear expensive jewelry or luxurious goods and should pay careful attention to when storing personal items on the overhead racks. It may be risky to fall asleep in subway cars or at subway stations.



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08-20-2004 15:56

[Gollum]

Had a russian chick try to pick my pocket in Limelight last week as she walked by.

Just thought I'd warn you all.

I did a full spin off of my chair and looked her dead in the eye as she ran off into the crowd. She didn't get anything, but might have gotten away with my toothbrush if she had dug a little deeper *laugh*.

[mindmetoo]

I keep my wallet at the bottom of my backpack at all times. It's the only way to be sure.

[crazylemongirl]

[canuckistan]

A good rule of thumb is if you'd hate to lose it, don't bring it with you.
I keep the bare minimum in my purse.

[mindmetoo]

[ladyandthetramp]

I generally don't worry about pickpockets here. Compared to Europe, it seems almost unheard of here.

But to be safe, don't put your wallet in the small pocket on the back of your backpack, because that is usually the easiest for pickpockets to open.

[matthews_world]

Compared to the number of riders on the Seoul subway system that's a small number of reported cases per capita.

I generally feel safe and am aware of my surroundings as a rule.

Who do you think profits more from illegal subway activity - the pickpockets or the beggars!!

My vote goes for the beggars, without a doubt.

Anyway, hardly any Koreans carry cash these days. Most of the pickpockets would come up with credit cards or I.D. That can be replaced.

[just because]

I almost got pickpocketed last year by two Nigerians in Busan.

Had a lot of money in my wallet so i was pretty angry.

[mindmetoo]

[lawyertood]

You would be surprised how stupid some criminals are. When I worked at the youth hostel in Washington, D.C., a young African American stole the wallet from a Japanese person staying at the hostel. He was caught because he tried to endorse and cash the travellers cheques.

Crime is everywhere but thankfully it is not as rampant in Asia as it is elsewhere except in some of the seedier areas. I have had money taken, backpacks taken, etc.. but usually alcohol was involved in lowering my attentiveness.

[ajuma]

200 cases a year???? Try Czech Republic! They have over 1000 REPORTED cases per YEAR!!! If you aren't totally stupid about your wallet here, chances are slim!