A recent incident involving the theft of several cell phones on a P-11 bus en route to Alamar, East Havana, resulted in the arrest of a man. However, in a surprising twist, none of the stolen phones were recovered, according to the Facebook page Transportación Habana. The event unfolded shortly before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29.
Details from the source indicate that the bus was stationed at Cuba and Chacón, where a thorough search of all passengers took place. By around 2:30 p.m., after the search had concluded, passengers were allowed to reboard the vehicle and continue their journey. Although a suspect was apprehended, "the victims' belongings were not found," the official source stated, offering no further details about the incident.
The Group Tactics Behind Bus Thefts
In the comments section of the Facebook post, users shared similar experiences, shedding light on the modus operandi that might explain why no phones were found on the arrested individual, who was allegedly the perpetrator. One user noted that these thefts are not the work of a single person but rather organized groups. "It's not just one person; there are several. One steals, and the others assist. It's like a pickpocket," they explained.
Another woman recounted a near-miss experience with her children: "I got on a bus with my 13-year-olds, and when I looked, someone was unzipping their backpack. There was a woman and a young man. Thank God I noticed. They would have left me without a dime. Even women help the man who steals," she shared.
A third user added, "Remember, they don't work alone; it's two or more who steal. They should be jailed for a while to make them confess."
Escalating Concern Over Bus Thefts in Havana
In recent years, the theft of cell phones on buses has become an increasing concern for Cuban citizens, particularly in urban areas like Havana. Due to the scarcity of transportation and high demand, buses are often overcrowded, providing the perfect setting for thieves to operate without easy detection.
Criminals exploit peak hours, when congestion is highest, to snatch phones from pockets, backpacks, or purses, acting swiftly and discreetly. In numerous instances, they even use sharp objects to cut open bags or backpacks, leaving the victim unaware until it's too late. Passengers have repeatedly voiced their concerns, urging for increased vigilance and police response.
The black market has made it easy to resell these stolen devices, whether intact or dismantled for parts. Although there are mechanisms like IMEI blocking to report stolen phones, their effectiveness largely depends on the victim's prompt action and possession of necessary information, which is not always the case.
Understanding Phone Thefts on Havana Buses
How are phone thefts typically carried out on Havana buses?
Phone thefts on Havana buses are often executed by organized groups. One person usually steals the phone while others provide cover or distractions, similar to pickpocketing methods, especially during crowded times.
Why is it challenging to recover stolen phones in Havana?
Recovering stolen phones is difficult because thieves quickly pass them off to accomplices, making it hard to trace the devices. Additionally, the black market provides a channel for quick resale, complicating recovery efforts.