The well-known Cuban comedian, Javier Berridy, took to social media to shed light on a car tire theft incident in Miami. In a video shared on his Instagram account, Berridy recounted the unfortunate event that happened to a friend living near Miller Dr & 87 Ave in Miami.
Berridy began his account by reflecting on his long-term residence in the city, acknowledging the persistent presence of thefts, assaults, and varying neighborhood safety levels. "What caught my attention was this specific case," he remarked, describing how the thieves left the car without its four tires, perched on four blocks. "I've never seen that here," Berridy expressed, astonished, while displaying images of the wheel-less vehicle.
Famous for his satirical takes on Cuban reality and life in exile, Berridy labeled the theft as reminiscent of third-world conditions, drawing parallels to experiences in Cuba. "I once had my catalytic converter stolen—not in Miami, but in Miami Beach—which is a common theft, but having your car left on blocks... I don’t know if the city is getting worse. I don’t know if theft is increasing," he pondered in the video.
The comedian’s revelation sparked immediate reactions from his followers, with many expressing concern over the rising crime rates in South Florida. One follower recounted a similar incident in Naples in 2014, where an entire Dodge dealership was left without tires on their vehicles, underscoring that such thefts are not a novel occurrence. Another user compared the situation to other countries: "In Venezuela, it's common, but I never imagined it here in the USA."
Some comments speculated on the influence of migration on these crimes: "People who leave third-world countries physically, but their mindset doesn't," noted one user. Another mentioned, "This was common in New York, and I'm not saying it was New Yorkers, but now that many have moved to Miami, it makes you think it might be them, since they know how to do it because it's common there."
This incident is part of a series of similar thefts impacting communities in South Florida and other areas of the United States. In December 2024, a Cuban resident in Houston shared his frustration after finding his Toyota without wheels while parked. The victim, Aldo Molina, expressed his shock and irritation in a TikTok video, noting that such incidents were previously uncommon in the area.
Furthermore, February 2024 saw reports of a surge in luxury car thefts in Miami. Criminals employed sophisticated technological tools to swiftly erase any digital traces from the vehicles, causing alarm among residents and concern among local authorities.
As of now, local authorities have not released any statements regarding the incident, but drivers are advised to take extra precautions and consider additional security measures to safeguard their vehicles.
FAQ on Rising Auto Theft Concerns in Miami
What happened to Javier Berridy's friend in Miami?
Javier Berridy's friend experienced a theft where their car was left on four blocks after the tires were stolen.
How did Javier Berridy describe the theft?
Javier Berridy described the theft as reminiscent of third-world conditions, drawing comparisons to Cuban experiences.
Are tire thefts common in Miami?
While not extremely common, the incident reported by Berridy and other similar cases indicate a concern about increasing thefts in South Florida.