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Residents of the municipality of Vertientes, in the province of Camagüey, are reporting a rising wave of violence and insecurity in that area, highlighted in recent weeks by the increase in thefts and intimidation of the locals by masked gangs.
Reports of violent incidents on social media and independent news outlets reflect the escalation of crime in the municipality of Camagüey and highlight the lack of effective action by the police to curb it.
The news portal Vertientes, Camagüey reported on four recent incidents in which criminals with their faces covered have entered the homes of their victims armed to steal motorcycles, money, and other belongings. In one of the events, at the beginning of February, a woman was killed with a firearm, a crime that authorities are still unable to solve, while the killer remains at large.
In another recent incident, two men wearing hoodies broke into a house in the Los Chinos neighborhood, near the Panama sugar mill, and threatened the owner with a knife to her throat, demanding the keys to her electric motorcycle, according to a report published on the site by journalist Luis Enrique Perdomo Silva last week.
The individuals warned the woman that “if she spoke, they would kill her and the child”, so she complied and gave them the keys, after which they left “calmly,” reported a member of the Facebook group “Vertientinos por el Mundo,” anonymously.
"There is so much insecurity being experienced, going from a quiet municipality to an unsafe one. What are we talking about? About safety? Don't kid me," the person exclaimed.
A young woman living in an area near the Military Committee was also assaulted in her home at night by several hooded individuals, who threatened her and took her electric motorcycle.
Another victim of crime was a man identified as "Goyito," who was robbed of 300,000 pesos on a farm located on the road to the rural community of El Chorro. Neighbors testified that the perpetrators of the robbery also had their faces covered.
The case that has caused the most uproar was the murder of Cristina Guerra, 54 years old, on February 3, in her home in the San Antonio neighborhood, by a hooded individual who remains at large due to the ineffective response of the PNR (National Revolutionary Police).
Despite the constant criticisms from the population, the regime continues to promote on social media an informative campaign praising the work of the so-called "blue heroes," reporting the arrest of individuals who have committed multiple crimes. However, these events represent just a fraction of the numerous incidents happening in the country and specifically in Vertientes.
"Closure of cockfighting venues, harassment of farmers, fines, theft, and confiscation of goods or beef are part of the apparent actions of the police," notes the journalist from the alternative site, and warns that "the radio station, subordinated to the regime's propaganda apparatus, and the trained cyber-clerics who amplify this content do not dare to mention those we report on."
The note reflects the complaint of another person in the group "Revolico Vertientes 2025": "Gentlemen, the people need to stop; how long will this go on with the robberies and thievery!!! They are destroying families. They don’t care about killing or being killed. Almost all of them are young and have the strength to work. How long will this impudence continue?"
After insisting on denying the rise in crime and attributing it to a perception amplified by social media, the Cuban government has been forced to acknowledge that crime has increased in the country, although "with a tendency to decrease."
However, the reality in Cuba is very different from what the leaders propose. Citizen complaints are increasing daily due to the lack of police protection.
Murders, thefts, and assaults—many occurring in broad daylight—are very common, according to testimonies from Cubans, who no longer perceive the supposed security that the government once boasted about.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Crime in Vertientes, Camagüey
What is the current situation regarding insecurity in Vertientes, Camagüey?
In Vertientes, Camagüey, insecurity has significantly increased with a wave of violence and intimidation from masked gangs. Numerous robberies and threats against citizens have been reported, including a murder that has yet to be resolved by the authorities. The local population criticizes the lack of effective action by the police to control the situation.
What have the Cuban authorities done to address the rise in crime in Vertientes?
Despite the government's informational campaigns praising the work of the police, citizen reports indicate a lack of effective action to curb the wave of crime. Authorities have faced criticism for their inefficacy, particularly in serious cases such as the murder of a woman in her home. The population feels that safety in the region has drastically declined.
How is Cuba's economic crisis affecting public safety?
The economic crisis in Cuba has exacerbated the security situation, with an increase in violent thefts and assaults, especially during blackouts. The lack of resources and economic deterioration have led to a rise in crime, leaving citizens in a state of extreme vulnerability. Authorities have been criticized for not implementing effective strategies to address these issues.
What other incidents of violence have been reported in Camagüey besides the thefts in Vertientes?
In addition to the thefts in Vertientes, other incidents of violence have been reported in Camagüey, such as the brutal assault on an elderly woman during a blackout and the murder of a woman in her home. These events reflect a rising pattern of crime in the region, including thefts, assaults, and femicides, heightening fear and helplessness among residents.
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