A couple was captured by security cameras while committing a robbery at the private café La Flaca, located on Gervasio, between Neptuno and Concordia, in the Centro Habana municipality.
The incident occurred when the woman pretended to browse the merchandise at the counter, while her accomplice took advantage of the clerk's distraction to quickly enter the restricted area and steal his cell phone, which he immediately put into his pocket.
According to the video, the maneuver was carefully coordinated.
After the individual picked up the phone, the woman strategically positioned herself behind the clerk to block his line of sight, and immediately, both thieves left the store as if nothing had happened.
The owner of the business, Rolando Aldama, reported the incident through his social media. "Beware of this pair of thieves; they stole a cell phone. Please share the video," he wrote on Facebook.
After realizing that his cell phone had been stolen, the clerk filed a formal report at the police station located on Zanja, between Escobar and Lealtad.
The owner of the business told CiberCuba that there were other individuals at the police station filing reports of thefts, which highlights a concerning frequency of these incidents in the area.
In recent months, the dissemination of videos on social media has become a key tool for exposing this type of crime, in light of the lack of response or delays from the authorities.
More and more citizens are turning to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram to make thefts visible, seeking to generate public pressure and prompt some action from the relevant authorities.
The use of home security cameras and the circulation of visual evidence have become an alternative means of civic defense in a context where official channels are inefficient or inaccessible.
Many users complain about the lack of immediate response from the police, while others assert that only through public exposure is any punitive action achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft in Havana Captured by Security Cameras
How was the robbery at La Flaca café recorded?
The burglary at the La Flaca café was recorded thanks to the establishment's security cameras, which captured a couple committing the crime while working together to distract the attendant and steal his cell phone. The dissemination of the video on social media is part of an increasingly common strategy in Cuba to expose crimes in light of the authorities' lack of response.
What role do social media play in reporting thefts in Cuba?
Social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram have become crucial tools for reporting thefts in Cuba, allowing citizens to share visual evidence of crimes and publicly pressure authorities to take action. This practice reflects a distrust in official reporting channels, which are often deemed ineffective.
How does the economic crisis impact the increase in thefts in Havana?
The economic crisis in Cuba has contributed to an increase in petty crimes, such as thefts in commercial establishments and private properties. The lack of resources and job opportunities has driven more people to resort to theft as a means of survival, resulting in greater insecurity among the population.
What measures have citizens taken in response to police inaction regarding thefts?
In the face of police inaction, Cuban citizens have chosen to install security cameras and share videos of thefts on social media as a form of defense and social pressure. This phenomenon reflects the widespread frustration with the authorities and the pursuit of justice through the public visibility of crimes.
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