Since January, the city of Hoeryong in North Hamgyong Province has seen a surge in daytime robberies by young perpetrators, prompting heightened alerts from authorities. Most crimes involve organized groups of 5-7 people with designated roles, making it difficult for the police to effectively control or apprehend suspects. The security deterioration stems from ongoing economic hardship that has persisted even after the pandemic subsided, according to our reporting partner in Hoeryong speaking in late January. (HONG Mari / KANG Ji-won)
♦ Brazen Organized Crime in Broad Daylight
A reporting partner said there were several incidents in Hoeryong during January:
"Around January 12, a private home in Mangyang-dong was robbed in broad daylight. Despite active police patrols, the thieves had lookouts posted and coordinated roles, managing to steal all household items including electronics. Security camera footage revealed a five-person organized group, including one woman. The perpetrators remain at large."
Another robbery occurred at a roadside shop on January 16: "A man and woman entered claiming they wanted to warm up, then threatened the shop owner with a knife and stole money and cigarettes. Despite being on a busy street, three lookouts prevented anyone from entering. The owner was gagged and bound, and the door was locked. The owner's daughter discovered the scene and reported it, but the criminals haven't been caught."
Why are these brazen daytime criminals evading capture? One key factor is the increasing organization of crime: "Young people are committing robberies while masked. Unlike the past when robberies were done by one or two individuals, they now operate in coordinated groups of 4-7 people, making arrests more challenging."
♦ Surveillance of Previous Offenders
"These days, we have at least one robbery, theft, or violent incident daily. We can't live with peace of mind," the reporting partner revealed.
Authorities are concerned about the deteriorating security. On January 18, the police and Youth League received orders to prevent even minor crimes. They are now intensively monitoring and investigating potential offenders based on criminal history and behavior patterns. The reporting partner describes recent enforcement efforts:
"Authorities are focusing investigations on young people with criminal records. They're also watching those who skip work without permission and try to make money with former soldiers through questionable means. Neighborhood unit leaders must report all movement of people in areas where these individuals live.
Going out at night is now itself considered suspicious. Those under intensive investigation get reported immediately. They're trying to prevent crimes through enhanced surveillance."
