Recent Crime Hike has Many Leaving Saffron

by Ed Lorrington - Saffron Star
February 27, 1992

The recent spike in activity of the group calling itself Team Rocket has lead many to leave Saffron City to more rural areas. The number of abandoned buildings and houses continues to increase, as no one is moving in to the city. Those who have stayed are mostly Silph employees, as well as those who cannot afford to find a new place to live.

"In the end, we cannot affect your final decisions," said Ernesto Ruedas, the Mayor of Saffron City, "but we strongly encourage people to stay in the city." The Mayor and the Police Chief affirm that they are working on controlling the crime in the city, but many are dissatisfied.

Karen Ransom does not believe that the city is making any effort to control the rampant crime. "We have to get out of this city, where so much has gone wrong this past year," Mrs. Ransom sai. She and her friend Daisy Oak are relocating to Pallet Town with the aid of Ms. Oak's grandfather, the renowned Professor Samuel Oak.

One of the Saffronians staying had a positive twist on the situation. "Maybe with all these people going, those Team Rocket members posing as normal citizens might also leave, and then the crime will go down," said Karl Ritters, the shopkeeper at the Mart in town.

Silph Co. did not make any statement on the current situation in Saffron. Silph's assets extend across the whole region, and their sales are not limited to Saffron alone. "All these people moving out will still be shopping at Marts-- they'll still be giving their Pokédollars to Silph," said Ritters.