Miguel Rodríguez, a self-employed worker from the Marianao district in Havana, has publicly revealed a troubling tactic used by criminals to steal his livelihood: a tricycle. Rodríguez shared his experience of falling victim to a cleverly orchestrated scheme by two men who posed as customers interested in hiring his transport services.
According to his account, which he shared on the Facebook group Pieza Triciclos Habana, the alleged customers contracted him to collect goods from a small enterprise. During the journey, the individuals requested a stop at a house. Upon complying and entering the home, Rodríguez realized it was unfamiliar and, upon returning, found his tricycle vanished along with the two fake passengers.
“After working so hard to buy it, they took it from me in a matter of minutes,” he lamented.
Community Plea for Assistance
The victim has appealed to the community for help in recovering his tricycle or identifying those responsible. He has provided two contact numbers: 54497466 and 53170822, to receive any information about the stolen vehicle or individuals attempting to sell it, either whole or in parts. Rodríguez also cautioned other transport workers about this emerging modus operandi of thieves who exploit drivers' trust to carry out the theft.
“This could happen to anyone,” he noted in his post, urging that the criminals not get away with their actions.
Social Media Response: Support and Cautions
The report sparked a wave of comments and reactions within the group. Some users expressed sympathy for the victim, while others offered preventive advice. One commentator shared their regret but also stressed caution: “I'm very sorry, but without knowing the passengers, how can you leave the tricycle alone?... I think you should stay with it.”
“They should be caught and given 30 years for their audacity,” another user stated firmly. As of the time of writing, no further details or updates on the incident have been reported.
FAQ on Preventing Transport Theft in Havana
What should transport workers do to prevent theft?
Transport workers are advised to stay with their vehicles at all times and avoid trusting unknown passengers without verification. It's also helpful to be aware of surroundings and report suspicious activities to authorities.
How can the community assist in recovering stolen vehicles?
Community members can help by sharing information about sightings of the stolen vehicle or any attempts to sell it. They can also spread awareness of such incidents to prevent further occurrences.