In the context of a rising incidence of electric motorcycle thefts in Las Tunas, authorities have pointed to owners as part of the problem, arguing that negligence in security measures significantly contributes to these crimes.
According to an official from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), "most of the incidents that occur are due to the negligence of the victims themselves, who sometimes leave the keys in their scooters or place them in insecure locations," reported TunasVisión.
"This creates and leads to situations where multiple factors, or rather, various individuals within the community commit the acts, making it complicated to clarify the incident, especially considering that these vehicles are taken to clandestine workshops where they are dismantled," the officer explained.
This stance seems to shift part of the responsibility onto the victims of theft, who are already dealing with the trauma and financial loss caused by these crimes.
Although investigations have led to the recovery of some electric motorcycles and the clarification of several cases, the authorities' statement suggests that the solution relies more on citizens' self-management than on increased surveillance or preventative action by the State.
The expansion of electric vehicles in a context of fuel scarcity and a lack of spare parts has made them attractive targets for criminal networks, noted the official channel, which conveniently overlooked the insecurity experienced on the streets due to the deterioration of the pavement, poor public lighting, and power outages.
These gangs dismantle motorcycles in underground workshops, modify them, and sell their parts in the informal market, making it difficult to recover stolen property and highlighting the sophistication of the criminals, TunasVisión emphasized.
While the MININT asserts that it is working diligently on the investigation of these cases, the focus on the "negligence of the victims" as the primary cause of the thefts may divert attention from the necessity of implementing effective prevention strategies, surveillance, and disruption of criminal networks.
In a context of rising insecurity, thefts of electric motorcycles have become common in Cuba, where the recovery of these vehicles remains an infrequent exception.
Four individuals assaulted and beat a young man to steal his motorcycle in the city of Las Tunas.
The victim, Yordano Colón Ocampo, reported the robbery on social media, sharing photos of the stolen motorcycle and the injury on his back inflicted by the criminals with a pipe.
"On the night before last, at the same bus stop by the Mella Stadium, I was coming from town when four guys jumped me; they were hiding and came out of nowhere, hit me with a pipe, and took my scooter. Thank God I was able to get out alive," Colón explained in a post on the Facebook group "Motorcycle Sales in Las Tunas."
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Motorcycle Thefts in Las Tunas
Why do authorities blame owners for the increase in electric motorcycle thefts in Las Tunas?
Authorities blame the owners for neglecting security measures, such as leaving keys in vehicles or parking in unsafe areas, which makes thefts easier. However, this stance has been criticized for shifting the focus away from the lack of state action in preventing these crimes.
How does the energy crisis in Cuba impact the rise in electric motorcycle thefts?
Cuba's energy crisis has increased the demand for electric motorcycles, which are seen as a transportation alternative in light of fuel shortages. This situation has made electric motorcycles attractive targets for theft, as their parts can be sold in the informal market.
What security measures can owners take to prevent the theft of electric motorcycles?
Owners can install alarms, locks, and GPS systems on their electric scooters to deter thieves and facilitate recovery in case of theft. It is also recommended not to leave the scooters parked on the street overnight.
What is the response of the Cuban authorities to the increase in electric motorcycle thefts?
The authorities' response has been criticized for being inadequate. Although some motorcycles have been recovered and certain cases clarified, many citizens feel that the actions taken by the authorities are not effective in preventing and combating these thefts decisively.
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