This past Sunday, a public transport bus in Havana became the scene of a theft when a cellphone was stolen. In an unusual move, the bus driver took the vehicle directly to the police station. "Bus 8404, operating on the P11 route, stopped at the PNR station located at Zanja and Dragones to address the theft of a mobile phone. The local PNR authorities responded swiftly, conducting a thorough search of all passengers," reported a post in the Facebook group Transportación Habana TH.
The social media post did not confirm whether the stolen phone was eventually recovered or provide further details about the incident. Thefts on public buses in Havana are not uncommon, with pickpockets often operating without fear of repercussions. Passengers consistently urge others to safeguard their belongings and frequently criticize both bus drivers and police for their perceived lack of action.
Back in May, another incident occurred when a group of pickpockets stole a phone from a passenger on a Havana bus. "Regrettably, we must report a distressing incident. On bus 507 along the P9 route, at 6:43 a.m. on May 5, 2025, a group of pickpockets stole a phone from a passenger," recounted a post from the Transportación Habana TH group.
In a separate event last December, a pickpocketing incident on a Havana public bus ended with police intervention. The bus driver, whose vehicle was crowded with passengers, took action by ordering those in the front section to disembark, as the theft had occurred in that area.
Common Issues with Public Transit in Havana
How common are thefts on Havana's public buses?
Thefts on public buses in Havana are relatively common, with pickpockets frequently targeting passengers. Riders are often warned to be vigilant with their personal belongings.
What actions are taken when a theft occurs on a bus?
Typically, bus drivers may choose to involve the police, as seen in recent incidents where buses were diverted to police stations for further investigation. However, the effectiveness of these actions can vary.