An electric tricycle, essential for the livelihood of a Havana family with two young children, was stolen in the middle of the night by intruders who broke into their home.
María Macías, the victim of this theft, took to Facebook on Monday to report the incident. She described how the thieves forced their way into the house, breaking locks and the door latch, before making off with the tricycle.
“Early this morning, they stole our tricycle, breaking all the locks and the door latch,” she shared in the public group “Clothing Sale in Havana.”
The photos uploaded by Macías reveal significant damage to the entrance and several destroyed locks. To aid identification, she also shared images of the stolen vehicle: a turquoise green electric tricycle with a red passenger cabin.
Macías recounted how her eldest daughter discovered the break-in that morning, a realization that left her feeling frightened.
“You've left a family without their daily means of living, raiding a home where there are two young children. My eldest was scared this morning when she saw the house open,” she expressed in a message aimed at the perpetrator.
She also voiced her distress over the deteriorating security and rising violence among Cubans amidst the country's ongoing crisis.
“It's heartbreaking to see what's happening in my nation—Cubans turning against each other, thefts, assaults. How can you choose to do harm at a time like this?” she questioned.
The loss of such a vehicle is a significant economic blow. In Cuba, electric tricycles are priced between $3,000 and $4,950, sums far beyond what most people can afford.
These tricycles are not only a viable alternative to the unreliable public transport and fuel shortages but also serve as a work tool for many Cubans.
The theft of electric tricycles is a recurring problem across various provinces. In early August, a man in Guantánamo was apprehended for allegedly stealing at least five of these vehicles.
In May, a man was killed during a robbery for his tricycle in Santiago de Cuba, and another victim reported the theft of his vehicle in Varadero in June.
Social media has occasionally been instrumental in recovering stolen tricycles. In May, police in San Miguel del Padrón retrieved a stolen tricycle after it was recognized in a Facebook sale post.
This incident contributes to the growing concern over Cuba’s security situation. The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory documented 2,833 crimes in 2025, marking a 115% increase from the previous year. Of these, 1,536 were thefts.
Macías made a plea for assistance in spreading the word to help recover the tricycle that her family depends on.
“To my friends, my brothers in Christ: please pray for us and share this post,” she concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Tricycle Thefts in Cuba
How common are electric tricycle thefts in Cuba?
Electric tricycle thefts have become increasingly common in Cuba, affecting multiple provinces. These vehicles are often targeted due to their value and utility.
What steps can be taken to prevent tricycle theft?
Owners can enhance security by using multiple locks, installing surveillance cameras, and being vigilant about where they park their vehicles.
How can social media help in recovering stolen tricycles?
Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sharing information rapidly, helping to identify and recover stolen vehicles as communities rally together.