Buena Park Police Identify Key Suspects in Korean Mall Burglaries

Authorities are ramping up their investigation into a string of burglaries targeting businesses at a Korean shopping mall in Buena Park. Police have identified key leads, including at least two male suspects caught on surveillance footage.

Buena Park Holds Public Safety Meeting

On February 28, Buena Park Mayor Joyce Ahn and the Buena Park Police Department hosted a public safety meeting at Village Circle on Beach, located at Beach Boulevard and Malvern Avenue. The meeting gathered Korean business owners and local residents to discuss crime prevention strategies.

At Least Two Suspects Identified

Detective Daniel Yeo, a Korean-American officer leading the case, revealed that security camera footage confirmed at least two suspects were involved. Investigators also traced a license plate number linked to the suspects’ vehicle, but further analysis confirmed that the plate had been stolen in Buena Park before the crimes occurred.

The burglaries took place on February 14, when suspects broke into four businesses at the Village Circle on Beach shopping center by smashing glass doors and windows. Some businesses reported stolen cash and credit card terminals. The masked and gloved suspects fled after encountering an early-morning employee at a non-Korean business. However, they continued their spree across Beach Boulevard, breaking into two additional Korean-owned businesses.

Detective Yeo stated that police are awaiting a court warrant to access cellphone data, which could help pinpoint the suspects’ locations by tracking their phone activity near the stolen license plate site and areas captured on surveillance footage.

Increased Police Patrols in Koreatown

The Buena Park Police Department’s decision to disclose detailed information about the investigation is unusual. Following initial media coverage by The Korea Daily, the city and law enforcement increased patrols in Buena Park’s Koreatown, particularly along Beach Boulevard, where many Korean businesses operate.

Crime Rates Down, but Residents Urged to Report Incidents

Buena Park Police Chief Frank Nunes reported that crime rates in the city have dropped by 27% since January 2023. He emphasized that District 1, home to a significant Korean population, remains one of the safest areas in the city, despite six reported thefts in a single day.

However, Chief Nunes urged Korean residents to report all crimes, even minor incidents, stating that a lack of reports could create a discrepancy between actual crime rates and official statistics.

“Koreatown residents know their community best,” Nunes said. “We ask Korean residents to actively report even minor damages, signs of crime, or suspicious individuals. The police department will work as a team with the Korean community to fight crime.”

More Korean-Speaking Officers and Dispatchers Planned

Mayor Joyce Ahn announced that the police force will expand from 92 to 110 officers by July. She also encouraged Korean speakers to apply for police officer and dispatcher positions, as the city plans to increase Korean-speaking personnel.

Stronger Security Measures Considered

Kenny Jung, property manager of Village Circle on Beach, stated that the mall is considering installing license plate recognition cameras at all four entrances and exits. However, some tenants expressed concerns over the financial burden of installing cameras or hiring security personnel.

The public safety meeting was attended by eight police officers, including Sgt. Alex Hong, who provided translation, as well as 13 Korean business owners and employees.

Related Articles

• Wave of Burglaries Hits Korean-Owned Businesses in Buena Park Shopping Mall
• Buena Park Officials Vow Action After String of Shopping Mall Burglaries

BY SANGHWAN LIM [lim.sanghwan@koreadaily.com]