An alleged thief was caught on security cameras while attempting to steal a car in the middle of San Juan de Dios Street number 64, in the heart of Old Havana.
The incident was reported on social media by the user Héctor Delgado Perdomo, who shared a video of the event and requested to spread the image of the offender.
“Share the reel I just uploaded of a guy stealing in Old Havana. Exactly at San Juan de Dios #64. I just received it from Havana. Let everyone see the face of this criminal,” Delgado wrote in his post, accompanied by images of the moment the individual attempts to force the parked vehicle.
The video shows the individual acting stealthily while manipulating the car's windshield wipers, until he successfully carries out the theft. Apparently, the suspect was unaware of the camera recording him from the front, which has allowed for clear images of his face to be captured.
In recent months, multiple cases have been reported in which criminals have been caught on surveillance cameras or by citizens who managed to capture the moment of the robbery.
These videos have become a crucial tool for publicly denouncing the perpetrators and demanding justice, given the ineffectiveness or delay of authorities in responding to these incidents.
In Santiago de Cuba, a home video recorded a man entering through the window of a house while the homeowners were asleep. The footage, captured by a domestic surveillance system, assisted the residents in filing a report, although authorities had not yet apprehended the suspect days later.
In the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, a young man was filmed trying to steal an electric motorcycle tied to a fence. The video quickly went viral, and as a result, neighbors were able to identify the individual, who allegedly had stolen in the area on previous occasions.
In all these cases, the publication of videos on social media has served as a pressure tool. Many users report a lack of immediate response from the police, while others claim that only through public exposure is any action taken by the authorities.
The use of home cameras and the circulation of visual material on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram have become the primary means of reporting in a country where institutional channels for citizen attention often prove ineffective or inaccessible.
Frequently asked questions about insecurity and theft in Havana
How is crime affecting citizens in Havana?
Crime in Havana is seriously affecting citizens, who are experiencing an increase in thefts and assaults, even in tourist and historical areas such as Old Havana. The population expresses its concern over the rising insecurity and the lack of effective action by the authorities.
What is the neighborhood's reaction to the lack of response from the authorities?
Given the ineffectiveness of law enforcement, neighbors often take justice into their own hands, capturing criminals and handing them over to the police. This reflects a lack of trust in the authorities' ability to properly resolve criminal cases.
What role do social media play in reporting crimes in Cuba?
Social media has become a key channel for reporting crimes in Cuba. Citizens share videos from surveillance cameras and warn the community about the presence of criminals, creating public pressure for action to be taken.
What measures are residents taking to protect themselves from crime?
Many residents are installing surveillance cameras in their homes and businesses as a precautionary measure. This helps them monitor and record suspicious activities to have evidence in case they become victims of a crime.
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