BCPO sees rise in crimes vs properties due to fuel price hikes
SANTILLAN (BCPO)
BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office sees a possible rise in crimes against properties due to continuing increase in fuel prices.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, March 18, Police Capt. Dax Santillan, Bacolod police spokesperson, said authorities have already conducted scenario planning to address potential impacts tied to the situation in the Middle East.
He said economic strain from higher prices could push some individuals to commit property crimes.
Santillan emphasized that the police are ready to respond to such incidents. He said that no reported crimes have been reported from fuel price hikes.Local gasoline stations are complying with fuel prices set by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Santillan added that overall crime in the city remains manageable and is even below average.
Robbery incidents have decreased, with zero cases from March 8 to 14 and three cases from March 1 to 7 with one case where a taxi driver was robbed and a suspect was killed and his cohort was arrested.
Santillan said they are not complacent and police visibility has been intensified through foot, mobile, and motorcycle patrols, with officers deployed in key areas.
Authorities urged the public to secure their homes, especially during summer vacation.