The Korea Herald

피터빈트

Couple arrested for thefts at Internet cafes

By Kim Da-sol

Published : Feb. 2, 2015 - 14:53

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A couple in their 20s were arrested after a series of thefts at Internet cafes in Seoul, police said Monday.

Cheon, 24, and his girlfriend Kim, 20, are accused of stealing smartphones and personal belongings at Internet cafes at least 13 times a month. They were arrested and charged with habitual theft.

According to the police, the couple worked systematically as a team. Cheon stole smartphones and wallets while people were away from their seats at Internet cafes while Kim stood guard. Kim later sold the stolen items for cash.

The couple sold the handsets, which included Galaxy Notes and iPhones, to dealers for between 50,000 won and 120,000 won ($45 and $108).

The police also found seven other people’s IDs in Cheon’s pocket. Cheon said he planned to sell the cards on the black market.

The police said the two were bold enough to return to sites where they had committed thefts. They were caught by the police in mid-January when they made a second visit to an Internet cafe in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com)