A thief was captured this Friday by neighbors in the Barrio Técnico neighborhood, on the coast of Santiago de Cuba, after having stolen a television.
According to what was shared on social media by the reporter Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, the Cubans managed to catch one of the two young wrongdoers who stole a television in the Reparto Barrio Técnico.
The captive is a teenager, sources reported to Mayeta: "The teenager shown in the image, where his face is visible, although we do not know his identity, was captured by local residents who bound his hands and feet until the police arrived."
The other young man fled, and the television was recovered. "Anyone who can recognize him is encouraged to write privately to disclose his identity so that people can be alert when they see him," Mayeta requested in his post.
Dozens of people commented on the post that it is a "child" and that he might be stealing out of necessity.
"Calm down, they won’t be stealing anymore for now; they're going to eat each other. Can’t you see the level of misery in Cuba? There’s no life, everything is expensive, and those who are selling can’t sell; they impose exorbitant fines, violence, theft—where will it all stop with so much desperation? There’s no gas and many people can’t even buy a loaf of bread, which costs 25 to 30 pesos. It’s really sad, truly," lamented an internet user.
However, others argued that even if they were teenagers, they should not be allowed to get away with the wrongdoing.
The theft has no justification but the blame for this misconduct lies with us parents because we have focused on the financial aspects for our children and have forgotten to dedicate time to their education and conversation. "Time is not enough with everyday problems," said one person.
This is not the only instance where Cubans decide to take justice into their own hands due to the police's lack of action.
At the end of March, another thief was captured by residents of the La Kaba neighborhood in the city of Manzanillo, Granma, while attempting to break into a home.
The citizen intervention prevented the individual from achieving their objective and triggered a tense situation within the community.
Some residents attacked the individual, but other neighbors managed to contain the situation and held him under surveillance until the police arrived.
Others criticized the authorities' lack of effectiveness, pointing out that the Police always arrive too late and it is the people who must take action to protect themselves.
Frequently asked questions about insecurity and citizen action in Santiago de Cuba
Why are the neighbors of Santiago de Cuba stopping the thieves?
The residents of Santiago de Cuba are taking justice into their own hands due to rising crime and the lack of effective police action. The inefficiency of the authorities has led residents to protect their communities themselves, in light of the perceived insecurity and the increase in criminal activity.
How are Cuban citizens reacting to the lack of security?
In light of the police's inefficiency, Cuban citizens are taking matters into their own hands to stop criminals. They capture thieves and hold them until authorities arrive, reflecting a distrust in the country's security institutions and a growing desperation to protect themselves amid a wave of crime.
What impact does the economic crisis have on the increase in crime in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has intensified the shortage of food and basic products, which has led to an increase in crime. The desperation caused by the lack of resources has driven some individuals to commit offenses, while communities feel the need to protect themselves due to the lack of effective response from the authorities.
What role do social media play in the dissemination of crime cases in Cuba?
Social media has become a key tool for denouncing and spreading cases of crime in Cuba. Independent journalists and citizens use these platforms to share images and videos of incidents, which increases the visibility of the insecurity situation in the country and allows the population to be more alert to the dangers in their communities.
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