Thefts target Korean churches in LA, exploiting Sunday services

A series of Korean church thefts has recently shaken Los Angeles, prompting calls for heightened security among local congregations. In several cases, suspects allegedly exploited the open nature of churches and the timing of Sunday worship services to enter offices and steal valuables while congregants were attending services.

According to Sam Community Church in LA Koreatown, one such incident occurred around 11:42 a.m. on February 1. The timing coincided with Sunday worship, when many areas of the church building were unattended. As a result, church officials did not immediately notice the intrusion.

Rev. Sam Shin, senior pastor of the church, said he received an unexpected alert from his credit card company later that afternoon. The message flagged a charge at a large retail store. However, Shin said he had remained at the church throughout the day and had not used his card.

“When I went back to my office, I realized my wallet was missing,” Shin said. He added that about $300 in cash was also stolen. Therefore, church staff immediately reviewed surveillance footage to determine what had happened.

After reviewing CCTV recordings, church officials identified a man believed to be the suspect. The footage shows a Black male arriving alone in a gray BMW, parking in the church lot, and quietly entering the office area. The church secured video evidence, along with details about the vehicle and its license plate, and reported the theft to the Olympic Police Station of the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to the church, the suspect is believed to be in his 30s, approximately six feet tall, with permed hair. In addition, police reportedly told church officials that other Korean churches in Los Angeles had recently experienced similar thefts using the same method.

Further reporting confirmed that another church near Hobart Boulevard, Jesus Love Vision Church, was also targeted. Video released by that church shows a man attempting to enter the building during service hours. However, senior congregants intervened and blocked his entry.

In the footage, the man repeatedly claimed he was trying to use the restroom, even as the sound of a crying child could be heard nearby. As a result, church members became increasingly concerned about his behavior and prevented him from entering further.

Rev. Shin said the suspect appeared to take advantage of the fact that churches generally do not restrict access during worship. Therefore, he urged congregations to reconsider security practices, including locking office doors or limiting entry points during services.

He also emphasized the importance of reporting crimes. “Some Korean churches choose not to file police reports because the process feels complicated,” Shin said. “However, if we don’t respond together, these crimes will continue.”

As Korean church thefts continue to surface, church leaders across Los Angeles are sharing information and urging congregations to stay vigilant. Many now say that balancing openness with safety has become an unavoidable challenge for faith communities.

BY HANKIL KANG  [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]