A family from the Zacateca neighborhood, along the road leading to the mountain town of Escandell in El Caney, Santiago de Cuba, caught a man stealing on their private property.
Interestingly, this marks the third failed attempt by the same thief, who is often accompanied by other criminals, as reported on social media by journalist Yosmany Mayeta.
The man was apprehended by the farmers while he was attempting to take harvested products from the field.
On this occasion – just like the previous ones – he was tied up by the neck and other parts of the body before being handed over to the police in the El Caney neighborhood.
In a short video posted by the communicator, the landowner can be heard confronting the thief.
In the audiovisual material, the peasant asks the man if he has land to steal, to which the detained man responds in fear, "No, buddy, no." According to the thief, his motivation for stealing is hunger.
The situation escalated when the owner asked for a machete, apparently with the intention of executing the man, but family members intervened and prevented anything more serious from happening.
As a form of punishment, the thief was taken bound and naked through the center of the town, exposing him to the neighbors so they would be aware of his actions.
As in previous instances, the man was handed over to the authorities, but the farmers report that days after each release, the thief attempts to steal from the farm again.
Mayeta Labrada urged the governmental and police authorities of Santiago de Cuba to take firm action against this repeat offender.
In recent years, thefts on Cuban farms have alarmingly increased, becoming a recurring issue that affects farmers across the country.
This increase is linked to the deep economic crisis that the island is experiencing, characterized by food shortages and the worsening of living conditions.
Farmers, who already face numerous challenges in producing and marketing their crops, now have to contend with frequent looting that jeopardizes their livelihood and that of their families.
Despite the complaints, the authorities' response has been limited, leaving farmers in a vulnerable situation and forcing them, in many cases, to take security measures on their own, with the risk of violent confrontations occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Santiago de Cuba
What is the current situation of crime in Santiago de Cuba?
Crime in Santiago de Cuba has significantly increased in recent years, partly due to the deep economic crisis affecting the island. The frequency of burglaries in farms and homes has risen, and in many cases, citizens have had to take matters into their own hands due to the authorities' ineffectiveness in managing the situation.
Why are the citizens of Santiago de Cuba taking matters into their own hands to stop thieves?
In the absence of an effective response from the authorities, many citizens in Santiago de Cuba feel compelled to confront thieves on their own. The rising wave of crime and the limited effectiveness of the police have created distrust in security institutions, leading residents to take measures to protect their property and communities.
What are the main causes of the increase in thefts on Cuban farms?
The rise in thefts on Cuban farms is closely linked to the profound economic crisis the country is experiencing. Food shortages and the deterioration of living conditions have created a desperate situation for many, leading to an increase in criminal activities such as thefts to meet basic needs.
What measures are the authorities in Santiago de Cuba taking in response to crime?
So far, the response from the authorities in Santiago de Cuba has been limited and ineffective. Despite ongoing reports, thefts continue, and in many cases, the criminals are released quickly. This has forced the population to take security measures on their own, putting them at risk of possible violent confrontations.
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