A man was recently arrested by residents of the Habana Vieja municipality after snatching a cell phone from a 73-year-old Belgian tourist.
The incident was captured on surveillance camera and was shared this Tuesday on the profile of Facebook Ransel Londres, affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
According to the publication, the incident occurred in the Catedral popular council, where the swift response of residents led to the capture of the thief and the recovery of the victim's cell phone before the police arrived.
"The quick actions of the neighborhood residents allowed them to catch the thief and recover the cellphone to return it to the lady. And well, you know, the police arrived at the station," Londres recounted in his post, where he also shared images and videos of the incident.
In its publication, London emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues: “To confront these negative trends that exist in our society, it must be holistic, with participation and popular control, which strengthens the unity of our people.”
However, the profile aligned with the Cuban regime conveniently chose to omit the fact that the country is experiencing one of the greatest economic crises in its history, a result of the poor decisions made by the last three governments, which have perpetuated poverty and scarcity.
The news portal CubaNet published a video of the incident, emphasizing that this situation highlights the rise in insecurity in Old Havana, one of the most touristy areas of the Cuban capital.
The publication also highlighted the swift reaction of the bystanders, who managed to stop the criminal before he could escape, as well as the growing concern among residents and visitors regarding the frequency of these crimes.
According to witnesses, the assailant pushed her to the ground while trying to snatch her cell phone, which provoked even more outrage among those who witnessed the scene and decided to intervene to prevent him from escaping.
In recent months, insecurity in Cuba has reached alarming levels, with multiple cases of theft and violence causing significant concern among the population.
On January 24, 2025, violence claimed the life of Yoandri Giménez, a 21-year-old who was stabbed in Centro Habana while leaving work. The attack occurred with the apparent intention of stealing his cellphone. According to witnesses, the young man was confronted by two individuals and, although he managed to call for help, he passed away shortly after at the Calixto García Hospital. This incident adds to other recent cases that have highlighted the rise in violent thefts in the Cuban capital.
Days earlier, on November 27, 2024, in Santiago de Cuba, a group of residents from the Los Pinos neighborhood decided to take justice into their own hands and captured an alleged thief. The man, caught in the act of stealing, was tied up in broad daylight while awaiting the arrival of the police. This act reflects the growing desperation of the population in response to the lack of action from the authorities in the face of a rising crime wave.
On November 15, 2024, a Cuban father residing in the United States expressed his helplessness over the assault on his mother-in-law's home in Havana, where his underage daughters also live. The criminals took money, appliances, and even the girls' schoolbooks. The police took days to respond, which sparked outrage in the community and highlighted the impunity with which criminals operate on the island.
The situation is not limited to the capital. On October 4, 2024, a Cuban resident in the U.S. offered 1.5 million Cuban pesos as a reward for information about the theft that occurred at his home in Santa Clara. The thieves entered in the early morning and stole a gold chain, cash, and other valuables. Despite the evidence captured by security cameras, the authorities have been unable to solve the case.
In rural areas, the situation is also critical. On September 17, 2024, a resident of Baracoa, Guantánamo, reported the theft and killing of her horse, a recurring problem in the region. Despite the constant reports, the police has not taken effective measures, which has generated distrust and fear among the farmers.
These events highlight the increasing insecurity in Cuba and the lack of effective response from the authorities, leaving citizens in a state of vulnerability and unprotection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Safety in Old Havana
How did the residents of Old Havana react to the robbery of the Belgian tourist?
The residents of Old Havana reacted quickly to the robbery of the 73-year-old Belgian tourist, capturing the thief and recovering the stolen cell phone before the police arrived. This act of civic intervention reflects the increasing involvement of residents in local security in light of perceived police ineffectiveness.
What does the increase in thefts in Old Havana reflect?
The increase in thefts in Old Havana reflects a growing insecurity in one of the most tourist-frequented areas of the Cuban capital. The economic crisis facing Cuba significantly contributes to this rise, as the lack of basic resources and unemployment push more people towards criminal activities.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect citizen security?
The economic crisis in Cuba directly impacts public safety, as the scarcity of resources and rising poverty have led to an increase in thefts and assaults. Economic desperation has created an atmosphere of insecurity, affecting both residents and tourists.
What is the public perception of the effectiveness of the police in Cuba?
The general perception among the Cuban population is that the effectiveness of the police is insufficient to confront the increasing crime rate. The public often criticizes police actions and, in many cases, has chosen to take justice into their own hands, capturing criminals and handing them over to the authorities.
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