The Minister of Interior Commerce of Cuba, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, acknowledged this week the seriousness of the rise in thefts at state warehouses and revealed that a worker lost his life while trying to defend his job from an attack.
"We have had experiences of all kinds. We even lost a worker defending their job. We have received attacks, but if there is comprehensive community work, we can continue to confront this," said the official.
His statements were made during an intervention on July 5, at the meetings of the permanent working commissions of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), in anticipation of the Fifth Ordinary Session of its 10th Legislature.
Díaz Velázquez emphasized that in the Isle of Youth no thefts have been reported, thanks to what he described as an effective model of community integration. In his opinion, strengthening the collaborative work between neighbors and local authorities is a key avenue for controlling crime.
In his speech, he also called for the active collaboration of the state media to "report the attacks and thefts in the stores" and to help shape public opinion in support of the State and the defense of the resources allocated to the population.
Furthermore, he urged taking measures to protect the regulated products of the basic food basket, even suggesting storing them in the homes of neighbors or nearby entities when safe conditions do not exist in the warehouses.
"We cannot allow (the theft) because replacing resources is also complex when there is a subtraction," she stated. These instructions not only reveal the scarcity but also the shortcomings, deficiencies, and improvisation in the measures of protection and security in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Increase in Thefts in State Warehouses in Cuba
What did the Minister of Internal Trade of Cuba reveal about the thefts in the warehouses?
Minister Betsy Díaz Velázquez acknowledged the seriousness of the increase in thefts at state-run stores and revealed that a worker lost his life while trying to defend his job from an attack.
How many thefts have been reported in state warehouses in Cuba in 2025?
As of 2025, 163 thefts have been reported in state warehouses where rationed basic goods are sold in Cuba, according to official data.
What measures does the Cuban government propose to tackle thefts in the warehouses?
The minister suggested the strengthening of joint work between neighbors and local authorities as a key way to curb crime. She also proposed storing regulated products in the homes of neighbors or nearby entities when safe conditions do not exist in the warehouses.
Why has violence and theft in warehouses increased in Cuba?
The rise in violence and thefts in stores is largely due to the severe economic crisis and the scarcity of basic goods in Cuba. This situation has created an increasingly insecure environment, where thefts and assaults have become more frequent.
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