Residents in Santiago de Cuba apprehended a man who, in broad daylight, attacked an individual on the street and snatched their cell phone.
A video shared on Facebook by communicator Yosmany Mayeta shows the thief, being held by a man who is taking him down the middle of the avenue towards the police station, surrounded by people.
The incident occurred in the area where several 18-story buildings stand in the city, which, according to several individuals in the post, is characterized by a high level of crime.
"In that area of 18 is the largest mipyme of robbers," mocked a worker from Cubataxi.
"That's their favorite area, but they know it, and on such a dangerous avenue, they don't even put up a little horse to ensure pedestrian crossing," a user reported.
"Not a single police officer nearby, there is no security at all, not even in the very center of the city. My God, where are we heading, and to make matters worse, the townspeople have to take on responsibilities that aren't theirs, vulnerable to being assaulted by the very thief, but if that’s not the case, those damned people continue doing whatever they want," said another.
Several internet users pointed out that it is very likely that the thief will be detained for a short time and may be free again the next day to steal once more.
In recent times, due to the rise in crime in Cuba, it has become common for the public to apprehend thieves caught in the act or trying to flee after committing their misdeeds.
At the beginning of the month, also in Santiago de Cuba, a group of neighbors captured a thief on the street, tied his hands, and left him immobilized while waiting for the police to arrive and officially arrest him.
The incident occurred in the Petrocasas neighborhood and was recorded by a witness who sent the photos to Yosmany Mayeta.
"According to the person who sent the images, this is not the first time that this man has been caught by the neighbors and handed over to the police, who release him after a few hours," the journalist noted.
Many people in the post identified him as an alcoholic with numerous records of theft, fraud, and other crimes in his area of residence.
In mid-December, residents of the 30 de Noviembre neighborhood in the city detained an individual who attempted to rob an elderly man and then tried to escape.
The incident occurred in an area outside the city center known as Los Camilitos, where "the thief snatched a backpack from an elderly man with a cane, and some neighbors chased him and tied him to a pole," Mayeta recounted.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Security in Santiago de Cuba
Why do the neighbors of Santiago de Cuba stop thieves?
Residents of Santiago de Cuba are taking justice into their own hands due to the rising crime and the lack of effective police action. The perception of insecurity and the inability of the authorities to curb the wave of criminality have led residents to act on their own to protect their communities.
What measures are Cuban citizens taking in response to the lack of security?
Amidst the inefficiency of the police, Cuban citizens are taking matters into their own hands to apprehend criminals. Neighbors capture thieves and detain them until the authorities arrive, reflecting a distrust in the country's security institutions and a growing desperation to protect themselves in the midst of a wave of crime.
How have communities reacted to the rise in crime in Cuba?
Communities in Cuba have begun to take proactive measures in response to the increase in crime. Residents are organizing to capture criminals and deliver them to the police, as they believe the actions taken by the authorities are insufficient to ensure their safety.
Is it common for thieves to be released quickly after being apprehended in Cuba?
Yes, it is common for thieves to be released shortly after being detained by the police in Cuba. Several internet users have pointed out that criminals are set free quickly, which leads to frustration and distrust in the authorities among the population.
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