4 vehicles stolen per day in 2014

MANILA, Philippines - An average of four vehicles were stolen in Metro Manila daily during the first three months of 2014, according to a report from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG).

The report, released yesterday, showed there were 137 car thefts in January, 129 in February and 115 in March, all in National Capital Region. The stolen vehicles included motorcycles, cars, jeepneys and trucks.

This means that an average of 4.4 vehicles were stolen in January, 4.6 in February, and 3.7 in March – or 4.2 vehicles stolen daily for the first three months of the year.

Previous reports state that the HPG recorded an average of 1.9 vehicles stolen per day in 2012 and 1.8 vehicles in 2013 as a result of a stepped-up campaign against car theft gangs.

This year’s statistics was released as the HPG celebrated its 59th founding anniversary yesterday under Chief Superintendent Arrazad Subong.

Subong noted that in 2013, the HPG neutralized 19 car theft groups, one hijacking, slain three suspects and arrested 273 more, seized 88 firearms and filed 104 cases in court.