A Cuban was caught on surveillance camera while stealing from a "business" in El Vedado, according to a report from a user in the Facebook group Revolico Habana, who warned others to be cautious of the individual, as he has been seen stealing on other occasions.
"Thief caught robbing early Saturday morning at a business located at 19 and B, Vedado. Please, if anyone sees him, be cautious, he has been seen stealing cell phones and other items before," noted Robin Lorenzo Ledesma alongside the images in question.
In the video, which is just over a minute long, the subject is seen standing in front of what appears to be the sales counter of an outdoor terrace.
The individual, who at the time of the wrongdoing was wearing a white sweater with long sleeves of another color, even looked directly at the security camera.
After repeatedly looking around and making a failed attempt to cross to the inner side of the counter, he simply extended his arms and pulled out a bag full of things.
After making off with his loot, the little thief—who apparently has several prior offenses for similar acts—fled the scene in a hurry.
"Tremendous character"; "This guy has been stealing for several days, and? Nothing happens...."; "It's the second time I've seen a video of this man stealing, it's unbelievable that he's still free and that no one knows who he is. God knows how many times he has done it"; "They are running out of time, but sometimes we give them a chance," were some comments.
Other internet users questioned where the waiter was if the establishment was open, or the security guard, in case it was already closed.
With the escalating economic crisis in Cuba, all kinds of thefts on the island have surged in recent years, ranging from various violent incidents on the streets and break-ins to episodes of petty theft, as seen in this case.
In recent days, residents of Ampliación del Sevillano, in Havana, caught and restrained a woman after catching her in the act of stealing inside a house where an elderly disabled person resides.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wave of Thefts in Havana
What happened in the recent robbery captured by a surveillance camera in El Vedado?
In El Vedado, Havana, a thief was captured by a security camera while stealing from an outdoor business. The individual was seen stealing cell phones and other items, and he already has a history of similar offenses. The community has been urged to be cautious of him, as he has been seen stealing on previous occasions.
How is the economic crisis in Cuba affecting public safety?
The growing economic crisis in Cuba has led to an increase in thefts and assaults on the island. The thefts range from violent incidents in the streets to break-ins at homes and opportunistic pickpocketing. Social insecurity has risen, and the population feels increasingly unsafe due to the lack of effective police action.
What measures are Cubans taking in response to police inefficiency regarding thefts?
In light of the police's inefficiency in addressing the rise in crime, many Cubans have decided to take matters into their own hands. The public often apprehends thieves and hands them over to the authorities, although sometimes without guarantees that they will be properly prosecuted. Additionally, surveillance cameras have been installed in businesses and homes to document thefts and facilitate the capture of criminals.
How are Cubans using social media to fight crime?
Social media has become a key tool in combating crime in Cuba. Citizens use platforms like Facebook to report thefts and share videos and photos of criminals captured on security cameras. This allows the community to be alerted and aids in the identification and capture of the thieves.
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