In the early hours of Monday, a private security camera recorded two individuals attempting to steal an elevated water tank from the rooftop of a building in Reparto Versalles, Santiago de Cuba.
According to journalist Yosmany Mayeta, the thieves managed to uninstall the tank and bring it down to street level, but they were caught by a neighbor who prevented the robbery.
“Although the tank was taken down by the wrongdoers, a person from the neighborhood prevented the theft and the thieves escaped without being able to complete their task”, the communicator reported on Facebook, accompanying his statement with a fragment of the video in question.
In the images—lasting just over a minute and recorded shortly after 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 25—it shows how the individuals got out and handled the tank with the intention of taking it, although the moment they abandoned their attempt and fled is not captured.
This attempted robbery, which fortunately did not take place, has not been an isolated incident.
Residents report that elevated tank thefts have been common in the district in recent months, although this is the first time one has been captured on video.
A community caught between frustration and fear
Reactions on social media came quickly. Residents of Reparto Versalles and other areas of Santiago de Cuba took advantage of the video's circulation to denounce the atmosphere of insecurity prevalent in their communities.
“Truly, the neighbors in Versalles have no peace; they steal tanks, break into car garages, steal brakes, and nothing is done. We are terrified and have no solution,” expressed a commentator.
Other users also shared their own experiences.
"In the José Martí district, they have done away with the rooftop tanks," lamented Mercedes León la Rosa. A neighbor identified as Rosmery Mery said that "many rooftop tanks and pipes have already been stolen."
Criticism of the authorities and the social response
One of the most frequently mentioned criticisms in the comments pointed to the lack of action from the police authorities, despite their awareness of what is happening.
"Law enforcement authorities are aware of these events, but they do not take action to capture the thieves," Mayeta reported. This perception was shared by multiple users.
"The police only have time to keep an eye on street vendors," stated an internet user.
There was even a mention of the proximity of government institutions. "It's already normal for that to happen two blocks away from the provincial delegation of MININT in Versailles," pointed out a neighbor, highlighting the level of impunity.
Several commentators agreed that the blackouts have created a favorable environment for these criminal acts to proliferate. Additionally, other criminal practices highlighted by internet users include the theft of breakers, bicycles, items from homes, and even scams.
"The level of crime in Santiago is out of control"; "Criminals are rampant on the streets, breaking into homes, assaults are increasing, thefts, snatch-and-grabs, threats, scams. It's all chaos," complained two Santiago residents.
Beyond the physical or economic damage, many neighbors expressed feeling unprotected and emotionally exhausted.
"Those tank thefts have been going on for quite a while... the thieves are so skilled that they left the pipes neatly arranged on the slab," stated Karel Rodríguez. "There are no laws," he concluded. "I'm from the district and I experienced the same thing. 'My God, at any moment they could take away the houses completely,'" were other comments.
According to its residents, Versalles has transitioned from being a peaceful neighborhood to an area marked by recurring crime.
This rising insecurity has been attributed to multiple causes by residents: the lack of surveillance, police inaction, the darkness caused by blackouts, and, in many cases, an increasingly severe poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Safety in Santiago de Cuba
Why are elevated tank thefts common in Santiago de Cuba?
Theft of elevated tanks is common in Santiago de Cuba due to increasing insecurity and the lack of effective response from the authorities. Many residents complain about the impunity with which criminals operate, especially in the context of an economic crisis where these tanks are difficult to replace. Frequent power outages also facilitate these thefts, as the darkness provides cover for the criminals.
How has the Reparto Versalles community reacted to the robberies?
The community of Reparto Versalles has reacted with outrage and fear in response to the wave of thefts. Residents have utilized social media to report on the insecurity and the inaction of the police. Some community members have taken additional security measures and have expressed their frustration over the lack of effective solutions from the authorities.
What criticisms have been made of the police authorities in Santiago de Cuba?
Criticism of the police authorities in Santiago de Cuba focuses on their inaction and lack of effectiveness in combating crime. Citizens have pointed out that law enforcement prioritizes monitoring private vendors instead of focusing on apprehending criminals. The impunity of crimes, even near government institutions, has also been mentioned.
What role do blackouts play in the increase of crime in Santiago de Cuba?
Power outages contribute to the increase in crime in Santiago de Cuba by providing cover for nighttime offenses. The darkness makes it easier for criminals to operate with greater impunity, as the few security cameras and neighborhood watch efforts are hampered without light. Residents have pointed this out as a factor that exacerbates the insecurity situation.
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