In Camagüey, the theft of an electric bicycle and scooter from a private parking lot has sparked renewed public concern about the lack of security in parking spaces throughout the city. The incident involved the on-duty attendant who was arrested but later released after compensating for one of the stolen vehicles.
The theft occurred between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. at El Sereno parking lot, located on República Street between Callejón de Castellano and General Gómez. Witnesses reported the crime to the independent media outlet La Hora de Cuba.
Omar Ruiz, the attendant on duty, was apprehended by police regarding the electric scooter theft. One of the victims discovered the theft when informed by the business owner, who also mentioned Ruiz's arrest. Upon checking, this victim realized that their bicycle had also been stolen. The second victim filed a police report at the first station on Avellaneda Street, according to sources.
Ruiz compensated for the bicycle's value and was subsequently released. Meanwhile, the electric scooter's owner has not received any compensation or updates from law enforcement on the investigation's progress.
Public Outcry and Historical Context
The incident prompted immediate reactions on social media, highlighting that the issue extends far beyond this single event. Many locals pointed out that El Sereno has a criminal history spanning over two decades.
"That parking lot has a history; they remove vehicles and bicycles with fake license plates," one user commented. Another added, "They used to swap plates, and when you complained, your plate wasn't registered there, even though it was given to you by them."
Some citizens suggested that the parking attendants' refusal to allow users to lock or alarm their vehicles indicates possible complicity. "I had to argue with the guard and move my scooter elsewhere because they wouldn't let me set an alarm. That's complete collusion," one woman commented.
Institutional Response and Broader Implications
Public anger also targeted the institutional response. "They don't catch the thieves because they don't care about private property unless it belongs to a high-ranking official or institution," one citizen wrote.
Another individual mentioned their scooter was stolen from the provincial hospital's parking lot. A different commenter questioned the speed of Ruiz's release: "He's already free for committing theft? If it were for banging pots and shouting slogans, he'd be in jail."
"Public insecurity rules in Camagüey. It's horrifying," summarized one resident, capturing the sentiment of a city where places meant for safety have become weak links in the chain.
Recent Incidents and Broader Crime Trends
This case isn't isolated. Recently, a thief was caught on video attempting to steal a cellphone during a blackout in Camagüey. Days earlier, the police held a public event to return a stolen Bucatti scooter taken in an armed robbery near Plaza de la Revolución Agramontina.
The increase in electric vehicle thefts is partly due to their high value on the informal market. An electric bicycle can exceed $1,700, while an electric motorcycle can go for over $2,000.
Nationally, the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory documented 2,833 verified crimes in Cuba during 2025, a 115% increase from 2024, with thefts leading the statistics at 1,536 recorded cases.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Camagüey
What led to the increased theft of electric vehicles in Camagüey?
The surge in electric vehicle thefts is largely due to their significant value in the black market, with electric bicycles and scooters fetching high prices.
How have residents responded to the thefts in Camagüey?
The community has expressed outrage and concern on social media, criticizing both the historical security issues at parking lots like El Sereno and the inadequate institutional response to thefts.
What historic issues have been reported at El Sereno parking lot?
El Sereno has been linked to criminal activities for over two decades, including vehicle thefts involving fake license plates and alleged complicity of parking attendants.