The U.S. Embassy in Havana warned this Tuesday about a “widespread increase in crime in Cuba” and issued a specific security alert regarding the rise of vehicle-related thefts in the capital.
The diplomatic mission spread the warning on its social media, noting that there has been a "significant increase" in thefts and pickpocketing related to automobiles in various areas of Havana.
Among the mentioned crimes are theft of belongings left inside vehicles, removal of parts such as rearview mirrors and windshield wipers, and attempts to steal the actual cars.
“The deterioration of economic conditions has led to a widespread increase in crime in Cuba,” stated the U.S. representation, which advised its citizens to maintain “greater vigilance,” especially regarding the security of their vehicles.
Among the recommended precautions are keeping the doors locked at all times and the windows completely closed, even when someone is inside the car.
It also urged not to leave valuables or important documents inside unattended vehicles and, when possible, to park them overnight or for extended periods behind closed gates or in garages.
One of the recommendations refers to a common figure in Cuban streets. When visiting restaurants, shops, and other establishments, the embassy advises considering the services of the “parqueadores”, individuals who watch over parked cars.
He suggested checking that there is indeed a person in charge of supervising the street or the parking lot and to inquire with the establishment if there is any cost for that service.
In case of being a victim of theft, the embassy recommended reporting the incident to local authorities and reminded that in Cuba, the emergency phone numbers are 106 for the police, 105 for firefighters, and 104 for ambulances.
U.S. citizens facing an emergency may also contact the diplomatic mission, which, among other services, can assist them in replacing a lost or stolen passport.
The new alert comes in the context of repeated citizen complaints about thefts and other criminal incidents across the country.
The U.S. Embassy had previously issued warnings regarding safety on the island. In October 2025, it alerted its citizens about the increase in robberies and other criminal incidents in Cuba, and recommended taking greater precautions.
On the other hand, last Friday, the Embassy of the United States in Havana issued a health alert directed at its citizens in light of the increasing deterioration of water supply in Cuba, the prolonged blackouts, and the risks that both issues may pose to health and safety.
In the notice, the diplomatic mission warned that "Cuba's water distribution infrastructure is increasingly unstable" and stated that it is aware of reports from residential neighborhoods that have gone long periods without receiving water from municipal or public sources.
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