Korean Senior Parking Lot Robbery Alarms LA Community
Korean Senior Parking Lot Robbery incidents are once again raising concerns in Los Angeles after another daytime robbery targeting an elderly Korean shopper occurred at a Korean market parking lot.
A growing number of so-called “distraction theft” crimes have recently been reported around Korean supermarkets and shopping centers in Los Angeles, with thieves targeting luxury watches, jewelry, and handbags. Korean seniors, in particular, are increasingly becoming victims.
According to witness Ena Park, the latest incident took place around noon on May 15 at the parking lot of Greenland Market in Van Nuys.
A Korean senior man was reportedly walking back to his vehicle after shopping when a man and woman approached him from inside a car. The suspects were described as appearing to be Armenian.
Park said the woman distracted the victim by showing what appeared to be a fake ring and pretending to offer it as a gift. While the victim’s attention was diverted, the male suspect allegedly removed a high-end Rolex watch from the victim’s wrist and fled.
“It looked like an organized operation with each suspect playing a separate role,” Park said.
She added that several Korean shoppers were nearby at the time and that the scene quickly became chaotic as people began shouting in shock.
“It was heartbreaking to see elderly people, especially seniors with mobility issues, becoming victims of these crimes,” she said.
Distraction Theft Crimes Increasing Across LA
The latest case is not isolated.
Only days earlier, another Korean senior was reportedly targeted in a similar manner at a nearby Korean market parking lot.
Greenland Market declined to comment when asked whether surveillance footage was being reviewed or whether security guards were operating in the parking lot.
Earlier this year, multiple similar incidents were reported in Koreatown.
In February, thieves followed a victim at the Rodeo Galleria Mall parking structure in Koreatown and stole a bag moments after the victim opened a car door. The robbery reportedly took less than 10 seconds.
In January, a Korean woman in her 60s was robbed at the parking lot of Hannam Chain Market in Koreatown while loading groceries into her trunk. She suffered injuries after falling while trying to stop the suspect. Thousands of dollars worth of cash and luxury items were stolen.
LAPD Warns Seniors About Theft Tactics
The Los Angeles Police Department has also warned residents about a sharp rise in distraction theft cases targeting seniors.
According to police, more than 140 similar incidents have already been reported across the Los Angeles area this year alone.
Authorities said suspects commonly approach victims by asking questions, offering fake jewelry, pretending to give gifts, or even offering prayers before stealing real valuables.
Police urged residents to avoid engaging with strangers in parking lots or on the street and to stay alert if suspicious vehicles appear to be circling neighborhoods or shopping centers.
Investigators also advised victims not to touch fake jewelry left behind by suspects in order to preserve possible evidence.
Officials emphasized that educating elderly family members and relatives about these theft tactics is critical in preventing additional crimes.
