A 19-year-old man attempting to escape after committing a robbery was apprehended by neighbors in a neighborhood of Guantánamo.
The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m. last Wednesday, started when a man chased after the thief. The criminal was carrying a bag and a sack, which caught the attention of the neighbors, reported witness Yoel Peña Ramírez on Facebook.
During the arrest, the neighbors found a knife on the young man, along with a bag containing adult ducks and a bag with various items, including cigarettes, clothing, shoes, and other articles.
Moreover, the thief confessed that he had hidden a tank with rice, pots, and an induction stove to retrieve them later.
"Seeing that he was just a 19-year-old filled me with sorrow, but I had to fulfill my duty. Along with other neighbors, we prevented him from being beaten, despite the anger of many. We then turned the criminal over to the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) and managed to return all of the victim's belongings," the witness recounted.
Finally, the police confirmed that the young man in custody had committed other thefts in the neighborhood days prior.
Recently, it has become common in Cuba for neighbors to apprehend thieves caught in the act.
For instance, in Santiago de Cuba, a group of people captured a thief who broke into a house to rob in broad daylight. The neighbors held him until the police arrived, although some witnesses reported that the thief was beaten up before being handed over to the authorities.
In another incident in the same municipality, residents of the Los Pinos neighborhood caught a man attempting to steal in the area. They tied him up while waiting for the police to arrive and arrest him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crime and Security in Cuba
Why are neighbors in Cuba stopping thieves?
The rising crime and lack of effective police action have led residents in Cuba to take justice into their own hands. In many cases, the community organizes to apprehend thieves due to the perceived insecurity and the authorities' ineffectiveness in curbing the wave of criminality.
How have communities reacted to the rise in crime in Cuba?
Communities have begun to take proactive measures in response to the rise in crime. Residents are organizing to apprehend criminals and hand them over to the police, as they feel that the actions taken by the authorities are insufficient to ensure their safety.
What measures are Cuban citizens taking in response to the lack of security?
Cuban citizens are taking matters into their own hands to stop criminals, due to the inefficiency of the police. In many cases, neighbors capture thieves and hold them until the authorities arrive, reflecting a distrust in the country’s security institutions.
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