A man sustained an injury to his hand after breaking a display case at a store in the Sevilla hotel in Old Havana during an attempted robbery.
In images shared by communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his Facebook profile, the alleged thief is seen on the ground, in the hotel’s portal, receiving first aid from several men.
The images do not indicate the date and time of the incident that occurred in the area outside the Sevilla, located at the intersection of Prado and Trocadero streets. It was also not disclosed whether the individual was handed over to the authorities.
This event adds to a series of recent incidents that highlight the increasing insecurity in tourist areas, particularly in historical locations like Old Havana, which continues to raise concerns among both residents and those who depend on tourism.
On April 22, a tourist was the victim of a violent daytime assault in broad daylight on Aguiar Street, between Amargura and Teniente Rey. Meanwhile, in early March, a man was detained by neighbors in the same municipality after snatching a cellphone from a 73-year-old Belgian tourist.
By the end of 2024, the Cuban regime acknowledged the rise in crime in the country, after having insisted for months that criminal acts were declining, although the population was not sensing it.
Publications from Cubans that increasingly rely more on surveillance images for protection indicate that crime continues to rise on the island, alongside the police's inefficiency in curbing offenses.
A few days ago, an armed thief with a hammer broke into a house in Vedado while the owners were sleeping. Thanks to a witness's alert, the robbery attempt was thwarted, and the criminal fled the scene before law enforcement could apprehend him.
According to the official profile "El Cubano Fiel" on Facebook, a man was caught a few days ago in Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, while attempting to steal rails from the railway, jeopardizing the safety of railway transportation.
Thanks to the prompt report from residents in the Mantilla area, a sector chief of the police intercepted the offender just as he was dismantling one of the railway structures, hammer in hand—an act that could have jeopardized the safety of trains and resulted in accidents with potential loss of human lives and significant material damage.
The increasing insecurity experienced in Cuba amid the deepening of a multi-systemic crisis has unleashed a wave of citizen actions in search of justice, often beyond the reach of the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Growing Insecurity in Cuba
What happened at the Sevilla Hotel in Havana?
A man attempted to rob the Sevilla hotel and was injured after breaking a glass window with his hand. Images of the incident were shared on social media, showing the alleged thief receiving first aid. This event reflects the increasing insecurity in tourist areas of Havana.
How is crime affecting the tourist areas of Cuba?
Crime is on the rise in tourist areas, causing concern among residents and visitors. Recent incidents, such as robberies targeting tourists in Old Havana, highlight the lack of security and the ineffectiveness of the police in managing the situation, which negatively impacts the image of tourism on the island.
What actions are citizens taking in response to the increasing insecurity in Cuba?
Citizens are taking matters into their own hands to combat crime. In many cases, neighbors apprehend criminals before the police arrive, reflecting a growing desperation in response to the lack of effective action from the authorities. This has been witnessed in incidents that have occurred in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
What impact does the economic crisis have on insecurity in Cuba?
The economic crisis is contributing to the rise in crime in Cuba. The lack of resources and difficult living conditions have led to an increase in thefts and assaults, as some individuals turn to crime as a means of survival. This has sparked a debate about the causes of crime on the island.
Filed under:
