Police Prepare for Copycat Crimes After 'Incheon Stabbing' ... Special Halloween Response

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Holds Emergency Video Conference with Police Station Chiefs
Designates "Special Safety Activity Period for Crowded Places"

Police are stepping up efforts to prevent and respond to similar crimes following a stabbing incident in Incheon.

Police and firefighters respond to a crime with no apparent motive at a large commercial complex in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the 13th. Yonhap News Agency

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it has designated October 14 through November 1 as a “Special Safety Activity Period for Crowded Places” and will concentrate available police personnel in these areas.

Police will increase preventive patrols at crowded places, including large shopping malls, subway stations and traditional markets, and closely monitor people suspected of carrying weapons and those acting suspiciously. In areas that draw large crowds, such as Myeongdong in Jung-gu and Itaewon in Yongsan-gu, police will work with local governments to inspect potential safety risks.

Police will also strengthen their response to crimes involving personal relationships, including stalking, domestic violence and dating violence. They will pursue proactive measures, such as seeking arrest warrants for high-risk perpetrators, and expand tailored safety measures for victims, including private security escorts.

Police also plan to swiftly apprehend suspects and pursue investigations under detention if a serious incident involving a weapon occurs. They will monitor online communities and social media in real time for signs of copycat crimes, such as threats to commit knife attacks or bomb major facilities.

At around 1:49 p.m. on October 13, a knife attack at a large commercial facility in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, left eight people with moderate or minor injuries. A 59-year-old man, identified only as A, was reportedly subdued by another visitor after riding an escalator from the basement, where a large supermarket is located, to the second and third floors above ground, where other shops are located, while swinging a weapon at random people.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.