A surveillance camera from a café in Nuevo Vedado, Havana, captured the moment when a thief carried out the theft of a cellphone almost in plain sight of the employee who was taking his order at the window of the establishment.
The incident occurred this Thursday and was immediately reported on Facebook by José Alberto Riverón Becerra, who asked for assistance in identifying the criminal.
"This man just stole the phone from one of our workers; any information will be appreciated. It happened at the hamburger place of the restaurant El Jardín de los Milagros, in Nuevo Vedado. Please share on all networks so that this man doesn't keep stealing," wrote Riverón.
A tall, stocky middle-aged man, wearing a sweater and a cap, carrying a backpack, approached the café counter and placed his order with one of the employees.
Taking advantage of the fact that the worker was looking for the products, the individual tried a couple of times to reach through the window to steal a mobile phone that was on the counter and visible from the storefront.
When the employee went to take the drink he had ordered from a cooler, the thief leaned part of his torso and an arm through the window, quickly grabbed the cell phone, and stuffed it into a pocket before the worker turned around. Then, he paid for his order and left calmly.
The criminal needed just one minute and 20 seconds to commit the theft, fully captured by the security camera of the hamburger restaurant.
The incident adds to the numerous thefts and assaults reported in the country recently, during a wave of criminal activity that has worsened social insecurity and keeps the population on edge.
Homeowners and business owners in Cuba have been compelled to install surveillance devices to record criminal activities and facilitate the capture of criminals, due to the lack of police action when an incident is reported.
Frequently Asked Questions about Theft and Security in Cuba
How did the cellphone theft occur at the café in Havana?
The theft occurred in a café in Nuevo Vedado, Havana, where a thief took advantage of an employee's momentary lapse to grab a cell phone from the counter. The thief snatched the cell phone quickly while the employee was searching for a drink in the fridge. The entire theft was captured by a security camera.
Why has insecurity increased in Cuba?
Insecurity in Cuba has increased due to the economic crisis the country is facing, resulting in a higher frequency of thefts and assaults. This situation has raised concerns among the population regarding the lack of effective response from the authorities. Many incidents are reported on social media due to police inaction.
What measures are citizens taking to combat theft?
Amid the ineffectiveness of law enforcement, many citizens have decided to install surveillance cameras in their homes and businesses to capture criminals in the act. The footage from these cameras is often shared on social media to identify the thieves and urge police action. Additionally, there are cases where neighbors band together to stop criminals.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the increasing crime rate?
The Cuban government has attempted to downplay the perception of insecurity, stating that crime rates have decreased. However, the population criticizes the lack of effective action by the police and the government. Recently, President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged an increase in crime and offenses related to the economic crisis.
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