A security camera captured the moment a suspected thief stole an electric motorcycle in Cuba, and the video was shared on social media to seek assistance in identifying the individual.
It appears that the incident was carried out by two individuals, but the security camera footage only shows one person tampering with the front wheel of the motorcycle to remove a lock and take it from the location where it was parked.
The motorcycle was on the sidewalk outside a residence, in a location that was not identified. Apparently, the vehicle did not have adequate anti-theft security.
"Motorcycle stolen from a member... Here are the faces of these thieves... Any information, send a private message, gentlemen," noted a user in the Facebook group 'Murasaki POWER'.
In the comments on the post, one user suggested that the motorcycle owner had “given it away,” referring to the lack of security features that would hinder the alleged thief.
"It seems there's nothing to worry about, just a lock... Maybe a padlock, and the guy disabled it. At night, that motorcycle parked on the street... You can't trust anyone; something similar happened to me in a hallway... After that, I added an alarm, a padlock, and GPS just in case something happens, so I can go out and look for the bike wherever it is without giving them time to disable anything," he said.
His comment was replied to by the alleged owner of the electric motorcycle, identified on Facebook as Carlos Manuel Sánchez Rodríguez.
"Brother, you are right; the thing is, I got dizzy, and on top of that, I still didn't have enough resources to activate it properly, with all the security measures it needed. I only put a lock on the front wheel, and even so, look how they took it away," lamented the supposed owner.
In mid-November, alarms were raised in Holguín due to the rise in robberies and scams related to the sale of motorbikes, a crime that has been on the rise recently in Cuba. This increase is attributed to the significant growth in the number of these vehicles following the authorization for their sale and importation, in response to the transportation crisis the country is facing.
To avoid becoming a victim of these crimes, Facebook user Marian Pérez Rodríguez shared how she lost hers. She explained that she is from Las Tunas and found a buyer interested in Holguín, who asked them to travel there to sell the motorcycle.
And so they did. The man then asked to test the motorcycle, and he did so with the owner sitting behind. When she got off the bike, he revved the engine, and they never saw either the motorcycle or the thief again, who had given them false information and an address.
"Don't trust anyone, even if they claim to be an interested buyer and show you their ID. It's very tough that, with everything being so difficult, they would steal your hard work."
Around the same time, the alleged thieves of an electric motorcycle in Diez de Octubre, Havana, were recorded by surveillance cameras from homes in the area. The owner of the vehicle also shared the images on social media in hopes of locating the criminals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Electric Motorcycle Theft in Cuba
Why has the theft of electric motorcycles increased in Cuba?
The rise in electric motorcycle thefts in Cuba is primarily due to the transportation crisis the country is experiencing, which has increased the demand for these vehicles. Additionally, the government has authorized their sale and importation, boosting their presence on the streets and making them an appealing target for criminals.
What security measures do users recommend to prevent the theft of electric motorcycles?
Users recommend installing alarms, locks, and GPS systems on electric motorcycles. These devices can hinder theft and facilitate the recovery of the vehicle if it is stolen. They also suggest not leaving motorcycles parked on the street overnight.
How are the Cuban authorities responding to the increase in thefts?
The response from Cuban authorities has been criticized as inadequate. Many victims of motorcycle theft have expressed their discontent on social media, highlighting the lack of action and inefficiency of police officers in addressing the wave of crime. In some cases, citizens have had to take matters into their own hands to recover their vehicles.
What role do social media play in reporting motorcycle thefts in Cuba?
Social media has become an important channel for citizens to report motorcycle thefts. Many owners share videos from security cameras and offer rewards for information about the criminals. Social media has facilitated the dissemination of these crimes and has contributed to public pressure for action to be taken.
Are there legal consequences for motorcycle thieves in Cuba?
Although some thieves have been apprehended, the legal consequences are not always effective or deterrent. There are documented cases where, despite the arrests, offenders have been released shortly after, leading to frustration and distrust in the justice system among the victims.
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