"Need for Related System Improvement and Crime Prevention System Enhancement"
There have been concerns raised that warning signs in unmanned stores demanding compensation for theft often hide 'other intentions.'
On the 2nd, Yonhap News reported that cases are increasing where, similar to warning signs such as "If you steal ice cream, you must compensate 100 times," store owners demand excessively large settlement amounts compared to the value of the stolen goods when actual crimes occur. It was added that some owners operate multiple unmanned stores and habitually collect high settlement fees.
A police sergeant A working in the criminal division of a police station in the southern Gyeonggi region said, "There have been cases where a child stole one ice cream from an unmanned store, and the owner demanded a settlement of 2 to 3 million won from the parents," adding, "Of course, it is reasonable for victims to request a certain level of settlement, but the problem arises when excessively large amounts are repeatedly demanded."
In June, controversy arose when a notice titled "Recent Compensation and Prosecution Cases" posted at an unmanned store was shared on an online community. The notice listed cases such as "Elementary school students: settlement 1 million won, school notification," "Middle school students and adults: settlement 2 million won, criminal prosecution," and "Adults: school and workplace notification, criminal prosecution, settlement 3 million won."
Related online discussions included criticisms such as "It is not right to treat children who lack self-control in such a manner," and "While the thief is at fault, demanding settlement money by mobilizing police forces without even installing minimal security measures is another problem."
Yonhap News pointed out that one reason why some owners continuously demand excessive amounts to the extent of being accused of 'settlement money profiteering' is that whether a settlement is reached with the victim is an important criterion for investigative agencies when determining the level of punishment. Typically, when caught stealing low-value items (cases punishable by fines, detention, or penalties under 200,000 won), adults are referred to the 'Minor Offense Review Committee,' and minors who are not juvenile offenders are referred to the 'Guidance Review Committee.' One of the key factors police consider when deciding whom to refer to these committees is whether a settlement has been reached with the victim. Knowing this well, some owners mention this to the other party and demand excessive amounts.
Moreover, even if the police encounter unreasonable settlement demands during investigations, it is practically difficult to directly sanction such behavior. A police official stated, "The prosecution can hold a 'Criminal Mediation Committee' to intervene in the settlement amount determination process between both parties, but the police do not have such authority," adding, "Therefore, the police only provide minimal hints such as 'It is better to settle in such cases' or 'The demanded settlement amount seems excessive' to the investigation subjects."
As unmanned stores continue to increase steadily, if these issues persist, it is pointed out that excessive police resources may be consumed in investigating and closing minor theft cases, causing administrative waste. Experts emphasize the need to revise related systems to curb unreasonable settlement demands and urge unmanned store owners to consider ways to improve their store security systems.
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