Petty crimes to rise with cost of living, police say

Police in Metro Manila are preparing for a possible wave of petty crimes stemming from the rising cost of living in the midst of higher fuel prices. Eastern Police District head Chief Superintendent Francisco Manalo Jr. ordered his men to be vigilant against petty crimes, GMA News Online affiliate radio dzBB reported Sunday . Francisco said he expects a possible rise in petty crimes with more people turning to robbery to make ends meet. In Manila, meanwhile, Manila Police District spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said police from patrol car divisions should now be more conscious of fuel consumption as they have no additional budget for gasoline. The rising costs of fuel should not be an obstacle to securing peace and order, he said. Police teams should consider parking their patrol cars strategically in populated areas so that they are not constantly on the move consuming gasoline, Margarejo said. — VS, GMA News