“HOSTAGES IN OUR HOMES”

The state government has not released an official number for killings since police started striking on Saturday for better pay, but a spokeswoman for the union representing police told Reuters early on Thursday it had registered 101 homicides.

That would be more than six times the state’s average homicide rate during the same period last year. The Globo TV network, citing security officials, reported that 200 cars were stolen in Vitoria on a single day, ten times the daily average for the whole state.

The state’s retail association said businesses have lost 90 million reais ($28.87 million) since police walked off the job.

Where stores did open their doors, they were swarmed by shoppers stocking up as if preparing for a natural disaster.

“Good thing the supermarket opened because I have two young children at home and the food is running out,” said salesman Vitor Paulo, weighted down with shopping bags. “It’s like we’re hostages in our own homes. We’re scared to go out.”

Representatives of the striking police, including some of the officers’ wives, met with state officials on Wednesday to demand that salaries be doubled for every category of officer.