Crooks swipe motorcycle from backpack

How can a crook steal a motorcycle from a backpack? In the world of crooks, there are amateur petty thieves, and there are professionals.

Unfortunately for Flavio, Viña Studios’ videographer, his assailants fall into the latter category. He learned this today when he went to make a bank deposit. Not only did the thieves aboard a Guatemala City bus swipe his cell phone from his backpack on Monday — they also got his motorcycle. Flavio had sold his motorcycle last week, planning to upgrade and buy a new one. He had deposited the proceeds from his sale in his bank account for safekeeping.

But on Friday, bank authorities informed him that his bank account of $1,000 — roughly four to six months’ wages — had been drained to practically nothing. The thieves who distracted him and stole his cell phone also swiped his cedula, or government identification. He didn’t realize this until the next day.

The light-fingered crooks also managed to swipe several checks from the back of his checkbook, leaving the top checks intact. Seeing this, Flavio thought they had not touched his checkbook. Later, however, with the cedula and blank checks in hand, the thieves withdrew all his savings. It’s unlikely the bank will cover his losses.

Flavio tends to be a pretty mild, upbeat fellow, but I could tell when he left today that he is hurting. Being on the receiving end of criminals’ dirty deeds is no picnic, especially when they robbed him by manipulating his friendliness and eagerness to talk about his beloved cat. I wish I had remembered to ask Flavio if I could pray for him before he left. If you would like, please join me in praying for him, perhaps thinking of James 1:2-4 and Romans 8:28. Even though it stings sometimes, a child of God can rejoice knowing the Lord’s merciful hand works to discipline and bless us for our good, drawing us to him.