Theft Attempt Targeting Disaster Scenes Adds More Pain for Flood Victims

In Gyeonggi's Gapyeong, which suffered significant damage from heavy rainfall, another missing person was found dead. Three people are still missing in Gapyeong, and recovery efforts are not progressing smoothly due to the extreme heat.

Amid these challenging circumstances, theft attempts targeting disaster scenes have exacerbated the suffering of flood victims.

On the 23rd, JTBC reported on the flood damage situation in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Although recovery efforts are urgent, extreme heat is hindering progress.

In this situation, the occurrence of theft has deepened the wounds of the flood victims.

In an interview with JTBC, a restaurant owner expressed his sadness, stating, "Last night, four young kids were here shining flashlights and rummaging through things… This morning, when I came back, there was nothing left in the safe."

Upon hearing this news, netizens voiced their outrage and criticism, saying things like, "Humanity has been shattered," "This is truly evil," and "How can anyone think to take someone else's property in such a situation?"

Theft at Disaster Scenes is Not a New Occurrence

Theft incidents at disaster sites are not new.

In 2023, when an LP gas explosion in Daejeon's Ojeong-dong affected dozens of stores, a thief was caught stealing beer from the disaster area.

Additionally, netizens have referred back to a photo known as the "Devil's Smile," captured during the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store, which depicted a woman picking up products scattered at the accident site.

According to a testimony from a detective at the Seocho Police Station during SBS's "That Day Story Season 2," about 400 people were charged with theft during the Sampoong Department Store incident.

He recalled, "Every evening, dozens of people came in. I remember one person wearing ten pairs of pants that cost 170,000 won each."

Image source: jtbc 'Newsroom', sbs 'That Day Story Season 2'