Caught Red-Handed Burglarizing Empty House During Seol Holiday... Arrest Warrant Issued for Man in His 30s

Gyeongnam Changwon Jungbu Police Station. Photo by Lee Seryeong

The police have requested an arrest warrant for a man in his 30s who was caught by the homeowner while attempting to burglarize a vacant house during the Lunar New Year holiday and fled the scene.

According to Changwon Jungbu Police Station in Gyeongnam, Mr. A, in his 30s, is suspected of breaking into a house in Yongho-dong, Seongsan-gu, Changwon City, on January 28, during the Lunar New Year holiday, with the intent to steal valuables.

He confirmed that no one was home and entered the house through an unlocked utility room.

However, the crime failed when the homeowner and family members, who had gone out but returned to retrieve forgotten items, caught him.

At the time, Mr. A reportedly told the homeowner and others, "I did not steal anything, so please do not report this," and then fled the scene.

It was confirmed that Mr. A did not actually steal any valuables.

The police, after receiving the report, continued their investigation and found Mr. A near the residential area, arresting him and applying for an arrest warrant on the 17th.

Mr. A has 10 prior convictions for similar offenses and is said to have committed the crime during his recidivism period after being released in 2023, in order to secure living expenses.

The police plan to investigate Mr. A further regarding the exact circumstances of the crime and any additional offenses.