Cuenca Experiences Surge in Motorcycle-Based Thefts, Police Make Arrests in Separate Cases

Cuenca has recently experienced a notable increase in street-level robberies, particularly those involving individuals on motorcycles targeting pedestrians for cell phones. On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, multiple such incidents were recorded across the city, highlighting a concerning trend in urban safety.

One incident, captured by a security camera, showed two individuals on a motorcycle stealing a cell phone from a citizen. This event occurred at approximately 10:30 AM in the south of Cuenca. This particular robbery took place about 30 minutes after another similar incident in the Yanuncay neighborhood, specifically at the intersection of Diego de Almagro and Santa María streets, also in the southern part of the city.

Later the same day, around 12:00 PM, two men on a motorcycle reportedly assaulted a student. This incident occurred in the Miraflores sector, near the avenues of Turuhuayco and Juan Strobbel. The pattern continued into the afternoon, with two subjects on a motorcycle assaulting two young people in the Los Trigales Altos sector at approximately 1:30 PM, again stealing their phones. These incidents collectively point to a concentrated period of criminal activity involving similar methods and targets within Cuenca.

In separate law enforcement actions, authorities have made arrests and secured convictions for other criminal activities. On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the National Police in Cuenca arrested Freddy M. He was located in the Corazón de Jesús sector, specifically on the Ochoa León road within the Ricaurte circuit, following a citizen complaint. Freddy M. had an active arrest warrant for a judicial process of preventive detention, which had been issued by the Cuenca Criminal Judicial Unit.

Furthermore, a significant conviction was recently announced in a drug trafficking case. An individual identified as Tommy Stick M., also known by the alias 'Toreto', has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for high-scale drug trafficking. This conviction stems from his involvement in expending drugs from a house located in the San Joaquín parish of Cuenca. The investigation leading to this sentence included a raid on 'Toreto's' residence in San Joaquín by personnel from the Prosecutor's Office and the National Police on October 4, 2025.

What This Means for Expats

The recent increase in street robberies, particularly those involving motorcycles, underscores the importance of maintaining situational awareness for foreign residents in Cuenca. While the incidents described do not indicate that foreigners were specifically targeted, the general rise in such crimes suggests a need for increased vigilance in public spaces. Expats are advised to be mindful of their surroundings, especially when using cell phones or carrying valuables in visible ways. It is generally recommended to avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly after dark, and to keep personal belongings secure and out of easy reach. The arrests and convictions in other criminal cases, such as the drug trafficking sentence and the apprehension of an individual with an active warrant, demonstrate ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address crime within the city. However, these efforts do not negate the need for individual precautions against opportunistic crimes like cell phone theft. Staying informed about local safety advisories and exercising caution can contribute to a safer experience for all residents, including the expat community.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec.

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