hoplifting incidents in Los Angeles continue to surge, with the city projected to surpass 10,000 cases for the second consecutive year. This crime wave affects businesses, including many Korean-owned establishments, contributing to heightened security concerns.

Between January 1 and September 30 of this year, 8,161 shoplifting cases were reported, according to LAPD data cited by Crosstown. While this reflects a 9.4% decline compared to the same period last year, it's a 77.4% increase from 2022 and significantly higher than pre-pandemic figures.

Downtown LA recorded the highest number of cases (648), followed by Sawtelle (472), Canoga Park (443), and Koreatown's Mid-Wilshire area (316). Shoplifting incidents range from petty thefts, such as stealing shampoo for street resale, to organized schemes targeting luxury goods for online sales.

This trend highlights ongoing challenges for local businesses and law enforcement in addressing property crime.

<Hyungseok Han>