A daring theft took place in Central Havana when a thief stole a cellphone from a car right in front of the owner during daylight, an incident that was captured on camera. This brazen act occurred Sunday afternoon on Zanja Street, near the 12-story building in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood, according to details shared in a video circulating on social media.
"Today it was my friend; tomorrow it could be you or someone close to you. This rat took the mobile from the car, a SAMSUNG S 24 ULTRA. It's not just the phone, but the personal information and data. If you can share and help me find him, please message me privately. $500 USD reward. Remember, nothing stays hidden under the sun," wrote the person who reported the incident.
Surveillance footage revealed the moment two men parked their car by the sidewalk, stepping out to purchase something from a nearby café. Meanwhile, a third individual approached the vehicle, peered inside, and pretended to walk away. The man took a few steps, ensured no one was watching, and returned to the car. Within seconds, he swiftly reached through the open window, grabbed the phone, spun around, and crossed the street.
The driver, seemingly alerted by a noise, turned just in time to see the thief walking off. Both the driver and the passenger checked the car to see what was stolen, but it was too late to chase after the culprit and reclaim the phone.
At the time of this report, the thief had not been identified, although the post's author mentioned in the comments that they were close to locating him. A user recognized the individual by his clothing and claimed that he, along with an accomplice, was outside her home in the same area attempting to steal a neighbor's car.
The video of this swift theft highlights the increasing insecurity in the country, where criminals seize any opportunity or moment of distraction to snatch people's belongings. In many instances, they resort to violence to achieve their aims. Recently, numerous incidents of robberies and violent armed assaults caught on cameras have demonstrated the rising crime wave that Cuba has been experiencing for years.
Understanding the Rise in Crime in Cuba
What happened during the phone theft in Central Havana?
A thief stole a cellphone from a parked car in Central Havana while the owners were nearby, an incident that was captured by surveillance cameras.
How did the thief manage to steal the phone?
The thief approached the car, pretended to leave, then quickly returned, reached through the open window, and snatched the phone before walking away.
What does the video of the theft reveal about the situation in Cuba?
The video underscores the growing insecurity and crime rate in Cuba, where thieves take advantage of any opportunity to steal, often using violence.