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A new case of street theft in Havana has been reported on social media, this time concerning the theft of light bulbs in the Cojímar area, east of the Cuban capital.
The incident was shared on Facebook by the user Eleggua Obbakilona, who posted photos and videos of the exact moment a man stole the light bulbs from the entrance of a house.
"Good morning. Attention to the residents of Cojímar, look at this thief stealing light bulbs," the user wrote alongside the images of the incident.
Growing insecurity in a country mired in crisis
Although it may seem like a minor theft, these incidents have become increasingly common in neighborhoods across Cuba. Amid a deep economic crisis, food shortages, rampant inflation, and the collapse of services, the rise in thefts and assaults is creating an escalating atmosphere of insecurity and fear among the population.
No longer are there few citizens reporting that they do not feel safe even within their homes, constantly fearing the loss of the little they possess, including basic items such as light bulbs, cables, or appliance parts.
In the absence of an effective response from the authorities, Cubans are turning to social media not only to voice their concerns but also to alert their communities and attempt to prevent new incidents.
Impunity in Havana: Water tank stolen and the police do nothing
Last Tuesday, impunity and the lack of citizen protection were also evident in Havana, following a public complaint made by Meibol Sánchez Mujica, a resident of the Arroyo Naranjo municipality, who reported the theft of her elevated water tank without any action taken by the authorities, despite having evidence of the crime.
On May 1st, the Havana store Reynashop reported three women who were caught by security cameras stealing merchandise using an unusual method.
Other cases of thefts
At the end of April, a user identified as Alain Gómez offered a reward of 500 dollars for anyone who provides accurate information regarding the whereabouts of a suspected thief wanted in Bayamo, Granma.
In the first three months of 2025, the province of Holguín experienced a significant increase in crimes against the National Electric System, impacting both the population and state facilities.
These criminal acts, which include the theft of conductors, transformers, oil, and batteries, have resulted in losses exceeding 21,000 pesos
During the last few months, the rising insecurity experienced in Cuba has triggered a wave of citizen actions in pursuit of justice, often beyond the reach of the authorities.
Cases like the one that occurred in November 2024 in Havana, where a security camera captured a man stealing in broad daylight, prompted the victims to offer monetary rewards for information.
In October of that same year, a Cuban resident in the United States offered one and a half million Cuban pesos for information that could lead to the identification of the perpetrator of another theft, demonstrating how connections abroad also influence the pursuit of justice amid apparent inaction by national authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Theft in Havana
Why are thefts of light bulbs and other basic items common in Havana?
The theft of light bulbs and other basic items in Havana has become common due to the deep economic crisis that Cuba is experiencing. The lack of resources, inflation, and the collapse of services have increased thefts and assaults, creating a climate of insecurity among the population. In the face of authorities' inaction, citizens are using social media to report and prevent similar incidents.
How is the Cuban police responding to the increase in thefts?
The Cuban police have faced widespread criticism for their ineffectiveness and lack of an effective response to the rise in thefts. In many cases, the authorities do not take action, claiming a lack of resources such as gasoline, transportation, or personnel. This has led citizens to take matters into their own hands to protect their properties and report thieves on social media.
What role do social media play in reporting thefts in Cuba?
Social media has taken on a crucial role in reporting and preventing thefts in Cuba. In the absence of police action, citizens turn to platforms like Facebook to alert their communities and share images and videos of the criminals. This not only helps raise awareness about insecurity but also puts pressure on the authorities to take action.
What is the impact of the economic crisis on the rising crime rates in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has had a significant impact on the rise of crime. The scarcity of food, basic goods, and the collapse of services have driven many people to commit theft and robbery to survive. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of effective action from the authorities to combat crime.
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