Burglars broke into homes by releasing digital door locks with a simple tool, sending an alarm about the security loopholes of such devices, which are widely used by Korean households.
Busan Saha Police Station said Monday that three men had been taken into custody on charges of theft and breaking and entering, having stolen jewelry and other items worth 500 million won ($470,000) over 47 occasions since 2011.
The men targeted wealthy households and opened the locks with a type of string that is sold in stores.
The police said this was the first case of burglars easily opening a door by inserting a string into a switchgear inside the lock.
Since the technique leaves no traces, many of the victims were unaware they had been burglarized until they were notified by police.
The targeted area included about 40 posh districts including Haeundae-gu, Geumjeong-gu, Buk-gu and Saha-gu in Busan, a city on the southern coast.
The police said the number of affected households might be higher and that the investigation would be extended as a note was found containing passcodes for over 100 apartments in the Busan area.
The police warned digital door lockmakers of possible mechanical loopholes in connection with this case.
Many Korean households secure their front doors with digital door locks on the assumption that they are far safer than conventional locks.
By Kim Da-sol, Intern reporter()
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
