| 60s and Older Age Group, Highest Proportion in Theft Crimes |

As the economic hardships faced by vulnerable groups increase, it has been revealed that those aged 60 and older account for the largest share of theft crimes.

Among them, "petty theft crimes" have emerged, significantly influenced by prolonged high inflation and economic recession.

According to the National Police Agency on the 11th, petty theft crimes involving amounts under 100,000 won were recorded at 81,349 cases (provisional) last year. Analyzing the same crime over the past five years shows 53,060 cases in 2020, 54,972 cases in 2021, 80,666 cases in 2022, and 80,541 cases in 2023.

When viewed by age group, the proportion of those aged 60 and older was the highest.

According to the National Police Agency's crime statistics, as of 2023, individuals aged 61 and older make up 30.8% of all theft crime suspects.

Experts analyzed that considering 75.8% of the monetary loss from theft crimes is under 1 million won, the number of older adults driven to commit survival-based crimes is rising.

In light of these findings, Professor Kwak Dae-kyung from Dongguk University’s Department of Police Administration stated, "This is an indicator that many elderly people are living in poverty in our society."

Professor Kim Do-woo from Kyungnam University’s Department of Police Studies also noted, "Older adults are often socially isolated and frequently detached from their families," adding, "Elderly individuals in welfare blind spots are likely to be driven to survival-type theft."

The rise in petty theft crimes can also be attributed to the increase in unmanned stores and self-checkout systems.

According to the National Police Agency, the number of theft cases occurring in unmanned stores has surged, with 3,514 cases in 2021, 6,018 cases in 2022, and 10,847 cases in 2023.

In particular, among the petty theft incidents at unmanned stores, offenses committed by teenagers are the highest, and incidents are more likely to be carried out by groups rather than individuals.

In fact, as of 2023, individuals aged 61 and older are followed by those aged 18 and younger (16.6%), who have the next highest proportion of theft crime suspects.

Image source: Material photo for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank