A Korean-American dentist in Los Angeles returned home from work to find his gated community residence ransacked by burglars, highlighting growing concerns over security in the city.
On February 1, Dr. Jung, who runs a dental clinic in Koreatown, arrived at his Silver Lake home only to discover that intruders had scaled an eight-foot metal fence and broken into his two-story house.
The burglars entered through the backyard, shattering a glass door connected to the living room before ransacking the home. They stole two luxury handbags worth approximately $10,000, a camera, and other valuables before fleeing.
“There are about 35 Korean families among the 112 households in this gated community, and we’ve never had a burglary before,” Jung said. “Last September, my car was stolen from in front of my house, and now my home has been broken into. I thought gated communities were safer, but it seems like LA’s crime situation is only getting worse.”
According to Jung, the crime occurred in broad daylight, suggesting that the burglars had carefully monitored the house before striking.
“I left home at 10 a.m. and returned at 7 p.m.,” Jung explained. “After discovering the break-in, I immediately called the police, but the detective didn’t come until the next day. I later went to the local police station to provide my statement, but I haven’t heard back since.”
Beyond the financial loss, the aftermath of the burglary has left Jung frustrated. He spent $5,000 to repair the shattered glass door and an additional $1,800 to install security cameras and an alarm system.
“The city keeps talking about improving public safety, but crime seems to have increased over the past three or four years,” Jung said. “I’ve lived in LA for nearly 20 years, but now I’m seriously considering moving to Orange County because of the security concerns.”
Crime data from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) shows an upward trend in burglary cases. Statistics from the Olympic Division, which covers Koreatown, indicate that reported home burglaries increased by 15% from 392 cases in 2020 to 450 in 2024.
According to Los Angeles Magazine, there were 9,226 burglary cases across LA between January and September last year.
LAPD officials have warned residents that burglars are now using Wi-Fi jammers to disable security cameras. Additionally, law enforcement recently arrested a South American burglary ring that had been targeting vacant homes in LA and Glendale.
With crime on the rise, more residents are re-evaluating their safety and considering relocation, even in traditionally secure neighborhoods.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
