A burglary in Koreatown has raised concerns over rising residential thefts after a group of thieves climbed a tree to reach a second-floor condo and stole luxury goods worth more than $60,000.
The victim, identified as Choi, said the crime occurred around 8:30 p.m. on September 6th when her family was out. She explained that the burglars climbed a tree behind the building near Mariposa Avenue and 1st Street, then accessed the balcony to enter her home.
Security footage from inside the condo captured three men believed to be Hispanic, wearing hats and masks, along with a vehicle waiting outside. According to Choi, the thieves first turned off the living room’s CCTV before stealing Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags, a Rolex watch, and wedding jewelry.
Choi reported that the intruders had blocked the front door with furniture and left the home in disarray. “I live only with my daughter, and it’s terrifying not knowing when they might come back,” she said.
She added that her neighbor had suffered a similar break-in three months earlier using the same method. “They knew the structure of the complex well,” Choi said, noting that the crimes might have been committed by the same group.
The condo complex reportedly has a security guard, but the 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift-change window leaves the area unmonitored. Both break-ins occurred during that period.
Choi said she has not yet received any updates from LAPD, despite filing a police report immediately after the incident. Insurance coverage also remains limited; her insurer only covers valuables purchased within the past three months, meaning she may not receive full compensation for the losses.
Since the burglary, Choi has installed additional CCTV cameras connected to a private security company and plans to add metal bars to her balcony—an upgrade expected to cost over $3,000.
According to the LAPD Olympic Division, which covers Koreatown, home burglaries have been steadily rising: 34 cases between July 13–August 9, 49 between August 10–September 6, and 55 between September 7–October 4.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
