A family in Havana, whose motorcycle was stolen, had to take matters into their own hands to recover the vehicle, receiving no help from the police. Henry González Armentero, a member of the Facebook group "Murasaki POWER," shared the story to warn fellow riders about the surge in motorcycle thefts sweeping the country.
According to Henry, the motorcycle belongs to his sister and is driven by a family friend. On July 15th, a man rented the bike and during the ride, they reached an area where an accomplice was hiding. The two men attacked the driver, threatened him with a knife, and stole the motorcycle. However, the thieves were unaware that the bike had a GPS tracker.
Family Takes Action
"My sister went to the PNR unit in Altahabana, but all she got was the runaround, despite providing the exact location of the bike," Henry explained. "Eventually, my sister and several friends decided to head to the location on their own, where I was already waiting. The motorcycle was found in the far end of La Güinera, near Los Durísimos workshop."
"It goes without saying the risk of going without police backup. But, in the end, we managed to recover the motorcycle by sheer determination," he added.
Henry recounted that the homeowner claimed a relative had left the motorcycle there. Finally, the police arrived and arrested both the homeowner and the alleged relative who had brought the bike.
"But the most shocking part is that after we were left to fend for ourselves and managed to get the motorcycle back, I found out today that these two individuals are free! Yes, you read that right, they are free," the outraged Henry said.
"How is it possible that people involved in motorcycle thefts are walking free, especially when these crimes have sometimes resulted in fatalities? Where are the laws in this country? I urge all motorcyclists to share this post because today it’s us, but tomorrow it could be anyone whose life is ruined by these criminals. Share this so it reaches the right people and someone finally decides to do what’s right," he concluded.
FAQs on Motorcycle Thefts in Havana
Given the rise in motorcycle thefts in Havana, many residents have questions about how to protect their vehicles and what to do if they fall victim to such crimes. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help guide you.
What should I do if my motorcycle is stolen in Havana?
If your motorcycle is stolen, report it immediately to the local police and provide any tracking information if your bike is equipped with a GPS device. It is also helpful to alert local motorcycle groups and social media communities.
How can I prevent my motorcycle from being stolen?
To protect your motorcycle, always lock it securely and park in well-lit, populated areas. Installing a GPS tracker can also help in recovering the bike if it’s stolen.
Why is there a surge in motorcycle thefts in Havana?
The increase in motorcycle thefts may be attributed to economic hardships and the high value of motorcycles on the black market. The lack of effective law enforcement also plays a significant role.