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A group of Cubans caught a criminal who snatched a chain from a foreign tourist in Old Havana on Saturday afternoon.
According to a post on a Facebook account associated with the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), around three in the afternoon that day, several men witnessed the assault and theft of a chain from a tourist from Great Britain in the historic center of the Cuban capital.
“A group of young people in Old Havana witnessed the scene and cornered the individual,” and “immediately called the authorities,” noted the profile identified as Ransel Londres. Photos shared in the post show the thief's capture and his arrest by the police.
The victim of the robbery and a tourist accompanying him were assisted on site, the note stated.
One of the images shows the British man with a torn sweater, apparently as a result of the assault to snatch the garment from him. The police returned the stolen item to him.
The publication praised the joint action of citizens and the police to apprehend the thief, deeming it a "success" and a "guarantee of order and public tranquility."
Publications like this aim to highlight the fight against crime and restore public trust, amidst the alarming increase in violence and insecurity in Cuba in recent years.
Tourists have become frequent targets of assaults and thefts. In December, a Swedish citizen reported the theft of a backpack with valuable personal items on the beach outside the Laguna Azul hotel in Varadero, Matanzas.
A Canadian tourist had her luggage stolen during her stay at the Marea del Portillo hotel in the province of Granma in September. The affected individual reported the incident to the hotel management and the police, but as of the time this news was published, no resolution had been reached.
In November, another tourist was assaulted on the street by a young man who snatched her phone, in the Los Olmos neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba.
Also, in a neighborhood of that eastern city, a foreigner was stabbed by criminals who intended to steal his motorcycle last April.
Days later, an Italian visitor was the victim of an armed robbery by three Cubans while traveling through the province of Sancti Spíritus in a rented car.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Theft Targeting Tourists in Cuba
What happened in the recent robbery incident involving a tourist in Old Havana?
A group of Cubans captured a criminal who stole a chain from a British tourist in Old Havana. The citizens acted quickly to corner the thief and called the authorities, who arrested the individual and returned the stolen chain to the tourist.
Why have thefts from tourists in Cuba increased?
The economic crisis in Cuba is a key factor that has contributed to the rise in crime. The scarcity of basic resources and the increase in inflation have led to a rise in thefts and assaults, affecting both locals and tourists who are seen as easy targets due to the perception that they carry valuable items.
How has the Cuban citizenry responded to the growing insecurity?
In response to the perception of police ineffectiveness, the population has begun to take matters into their own hands to stop criminals. On multiple occasions, citizens have apprehended thieves and handed them over to the authorities, reflecting a widespread distrust in the country's security institutions.
What measures can tourists take to protect themselves from theft in Cuba?
Tourists should be cautious and take additional security measures. It is advised not to leave valuables unattended, to use hotel safes, and to always stay aware of one's surroundings. It is also helpful to have copies of important documents and to know how to proceed in case of theft.
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