🚓 On the 14th, the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday, three teenagers were caught by police after fleeing a jewelry store in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, with a 5-don gold necklace and a 5-don gold bracelet worth approximately 10 million won 12346.
The police have booked them without detention on charges of special larceny. Investigations revealed that they pretended to examine the items, saying they wanted to "buy gold," before running off with them 34.
Sources
- 10대 3명 금은방 구경하다 금 1천만원어치 들고 도주…모두 검거 [yna.co.kr] (2026-02-17)
- 인천 금은방서 1천만원어치 훔친 10대 3명 검거 [yonhapnewstv.co.kr] (2026-02-17)
- 인천서 금은방 구경하던 10대들이 금 1000만원어치 들고 도주…무슨 일 [seoul.co.kr] (2026-02-17)
- 금은방에서 '10돈' 들고 튄 10대들…"금값 올랐길래" [mbn.co.kr] (2026-02-17)
- "금값 올라서 유흥비로 쓰려고"…금은방 턴 10대들 검거 [hankyung.com] (2026-02-17)
- “유흥비로 쓰려고”…인천 금은방서 금 1000만원상당 훔친 10대들 검거 [chosun.com] (2026-02-17)
Highlights
- Clue to arrest: The crime was quickly uncovered when one of the suspects tried to resell the stolen goods at another jewelry store, and the owner, becoming suspicious, reported it to the police 34.
- Statement details: During the police investigation, the suspects reportedly stated that they stole the items to use for entertainment and living expenses because the price of gold had risen 3.
- Age issue: Police stated that the suspects were identified as being within the age range for criminal punishment, rather than being "juveniles subject to protection" (under age 14) 3.
- Investigation direction: Police announced plans to continue the investigation without detention while also looking into any additional crimes 3.
Perspectives
Incheon Namdong Police Station: Warned business owners to be vigilant, noting that attempts to target jewelry stores may continue as gold prices rise.
Reporting jewelry store owner (Namdong-gu): Reported the incident to the police after identifying an attempt to sell stolen jewelry.
Three teenage suspects: Reportedly stated they intended to use the money for entertainment and living expenses due to the high price of gold.