A user sought help last Saturday to identify a thief who, taking advantage of a street brawl in Havana, stole a mobile phone from a home while a security camera recorded the incident.
Tania Vargas, the person who reported the incident, expressed her outrage in the Facebook group "Confituras en La Habana" and requested the help of users to identify the thief.
"Please share this robbery so that the scoundrel can be identified. He took advantage of a situation to enter the house and steal a mobile phone," Vargas wrote.
Additionally, it was reported that the incident occurred last Friday, December 27, at around 11 in the morning, in Centro Habana, specifically on Ánimas Street, between Industria and Consulado.
In an effort to identify the person responsible, Vargas provided a contact number: 51977460, available for direct calls or WhatsApp messages, inviting anyone who has information to assist with the case.
In the comments, the reporter clarified that the incident was genuine: "My cousin lives with her mother, an elderly woman with mental health issues. When the phone went missing, they checked the camera and that's how they identified this individual."
It was also noted that the recording comes from a neighbor's surveillance camera, which they accessed after filing the report.
Some users speculated that the brawl may have been planned as a distraction to facilitate the theft, even suggesting that there could be complicity among those involved.
The increase in thefts, often with serious consequences for individuals, is one of the most evident signs of the growing economic crisis in Cuba.
In December, a thief was caught on security cameras walking down a street in the Sevillano neighborhood of Diez de Octubre municipality in Havana with a stolen motorcycle and a gas cylinder.
"Thief from Sevillano sought; he stole a bike and a gas canister. His name is Jorge Costa Fría. For buyers who love a good deal, the bike is already in circulation and the case is with the DTI," wrote user Cristian Rasta in the Facebook group "Everything About Electric Motorcycles in Havana."
A few days before the end of 2024, a Cuban made headlines for a dramatic armed robbery at a store in the El Louvre hotel, located in the heart of Matanzas city.
The individual, identified as José Rafael Rodríguez Durán, was arrested and the stolen clothing items were recovered, as announced on Facebook by the official source "Con todos la Victoria."
Around the same time, an incident involving a pickpocket on a public bus in Havana ended with police intervention.
According to the Facebook user "Dany por siempre apparel," a passenger had their cellphone and over 2,000 pesos stolen. However, in the video, the victim can be heard saying that 12,000 pesos were taken from them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thefts and Crime in Havana
How did the robbery occur on Ánimas Street in Centro Habana?
A thief took advantage of a street brawl to steal a mobile phone from a home on Ánimas Street in Centro Habana. The incident was captured by a security camera, and the phone's owner, Tania Vargas, reached out on social media for help in identifying the thief.
What measures are citizens in Cuba taking in response to the rise in crime?
In the face of increasing insecurity and the lack of effective action by the authorities, many citizens in Cuba are installing surveillance cameras and sharing videos on social media to identify criminals. This practice has become common due to the lack of trust in the police to solve cases.
What is the current security situation in Cuba?
The security situation in Cuba is worrying, with a significant increase in thefts, assaults, and violent crimes. Despite official statements that downplay the issue, the reality is that the population lives in an atmosphere of insecurity and distrust towards law enforcement.
How has the economic crisis affected crime in Cuba?
The economic crisis has exacerbated crime in Cuba, leading to an increase in thefts and other offenses. The lack of basic resources and inflation have contributed to an environment where criminality thrives, severely impacting the safety of citizens.
What strategies do thieves in Cuba use to commit robberies?
Thieves in Cuba employ various strategies, such as taking advantage of street distractions, using threats with bladed weapons, and deceiving vulnerable individuals to rob them in their homes. These tactics have been reported on multiple occasions, reflecting the creativity and boldness of criminals despite the risk of being caught.
Filed under: