A teenager, almost a child, was caught on video while stealing clothes that were hung out for sale in a doorway in Guantánamo. The incident was recorded by a security camera, and the footage was shared in Facebook groups.
In the video, the teenager is seen lurking in front of a house. Calmly, he approaches the gated entrance, climbs over another gate, and without a moment's hesitation, takes several garments that were hanging.
The recording, lasting just a few seconds, shows how the young man acts with complete impunity. Without a mask, in a hurry and without shame, the thief runs away while the cameras capture everything.
The complainant, identified on social media under the username Figurin Figurin, shared the video with a message that did not go unnoticed: “Look at this little rat, thief of the clothesline” (colloquial expression).
The post was commented on by an acquaintance of the complainant who sarcastically stated, "Monina, you've already tested the trap and caught a little cheese-eating mouse. The important thing is that it's known the trap works well for catching new rats in case there's an infestation."
Amid the rising wave of thefts and criminal acts, many property owners have chosen to install surveillance cameras in their establishments. These cameras not only serve as a deterrent but also allow for the recording of suspicious activities and provide evidence in case of incidents.
An example of this occurred in Havana, where a security camera captured a thief in broad daylight while he was stealing from a business in Vedado.
In addition to the installation of surveillance systems, some merchants have strengthened the physical security of their establishments by installing bars, high-security locks, and alarm systems.
However, these measures are not always sufficient. In a recent case, a café in Havana was the victim of a theft despite having security cameras that recorded a couple stealing products from the establishment.
Additionally, recently, a man was caught inside a store who, taking advantage of the shop assistant's momentary lapse, stole a phone and concealed it in his pants pocket.
The lack of effective action by the authorities has led citizens to take additional measures to protect themselves. The increasing insecurity has created a sense of vulnerability among merchants, who feel they must rely on their own resources to safeguard their businesses
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Security in Cuba
Why is there an increase in thefts in Cuba?
The increase in thefts in Cuba is linked to the economic crisis the island is experiencing, which leads some individuals to resort to stealing as a means of survival. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of effective action from the authorities to combat crime, creating a sense of impunity among criminals.
What are Cuban citizens doing to protect themselves from crime?
In the absence of effective police action, many Cuban citizens are installing surveillance cameras and enhancing the security of their properties with bars and alarm systems. Additionally, in some cases, neighbors are organizing to apprehend thieves and turn them over to the police, reflecting a growing distrust in the country's security institutions.
How are Cubans using social media in relation to crime?
Social networks have become a key tool for reporting crimes and alerting the community. Cubans share videos and images of thefts captured by security cameras to identify and locate criminals. This practice also aims to exert pressure on authorities to take more effective measures against crime.
What is the role of security cameras in the fight against crime in Cuba?
Security cameras play a crucial role in providing visual evidence of crimes, helping to identify criminals and deter future thefts. However, despite their usefulness, the lack of police action following the presentation of this evidence remains a major concern for Cuban citizens.
Filed under: