In Matanzas, a neighborhood resident named Olguita Olguita publicly shared on Facebook a distressing incident. Two masked youths reportedly broke into her garage and made off with parts from her family’s tricycle, their sole means of earning a living.
"In the early hours of Monday, two masked individuals entered my garage and stole parts of our tricycle, the only way we have to scrape by, showing no regard for the struggles of humble people," Olguita wrote.
Despite providing evidence and identifying potential culprits, the police who visited the scene did not apprehend any suspects. "They tell me it's a pending report; even though I provided details and suspects, they can't arrest anyone just because I say so," Olguita expressed in frustration.
Her message to the thieves was laden with sarcasm: "Keep living off others' hard work; the path is clear for you, while people like me continue fighting and cursing these criminal acts."
She ended her post with a cry of helplessness: "We have nowhere to turn."
Rising Crime and Police Inaction in Matanzas
The rise in crime and police inaction are issues plaguing all of Cuba, but they are particularly acute in Matanzas. According to the Public Insecurity Report by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) for the first half of the year, Matanzas has become a hotspot for violence.
"In 2026, Matanzas ranks first nationwide in murders, reporting 18, followed by Santiago de Cuba with 13, and Havana with 12. Matanzas also leads in assaults with 21 incidents," the report outlines.
"In terms of thefts, Matanzas had already topped the list in 2025 with 143 cases. In 2026, this number increased to 155, despite the overall decline in this category across the country," the statement adds.
The Vital Role of Tricycles in Cuban Life
The stolen tricycle is not just any possession. These vehicles, which can fetch over $4,000 on the informal market, are crucial for many families, serving as a primary tool for passenger transport, street vending, and moving goods in a nation where public transit is in shambles.
In August, a similar incident occurred in Havana, where a family with two children lost their main income source after their electric tricycle was stolen.
Earlier that month, a man in Guantánamo was arrested for allegedly stealing at least five tricycles.
In June, a tricycle theft in Varadero was captured by three neighborhood surveillance cameras. Although only one of the three perpetrators was clearly identifiable from the footage, the incident highlights the growing threat.
The violence linked to these crimes has reached alarming levels. In 2026, at least four tricycle drivers were killed during robberies in Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara, and Guantánamo.
Institutional inaction in Matanzas is not a new issue. Back in April, a mother reported her home was ransacked in Colón, yet authorities had not visited her residence days after the incident.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Matanzas
Why is Matanzas experiencing a surge in crime?
Matanzas has become a focal point for criminal activity, with increasing incidents of violence and theft, due in part to economic hardship and institutional inaction.
What role do tricycles play in the Cuban economy?
Tricycles are vital for many Cuban families as they provide a means for transportation of passengers and goods, crucial in a country struggling with public transportation challenges.
How has the police response been to the rise in crime?
There has been criticism over the police response, with reports of inaction and lack of arrests despite evidence and identification of suspects provided by victims.