They are seeking help after a backpack theft caught on video in Matanzas

Insecurity in Cuba is escalating following several thefts captured on video, including one involving a backpack in Matanzas. The slow response from the police is worrying citizens, who are calling for cooperation.

Moment when a man steals a backpack inside the Pelusín del Monte café in Matanzas, captured by a security camera.Photo © Video Capture/Facebook/Alina Acosta

A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage in Matanzas. In the footage, a man calmly enters an empty café and, seeing a backpack on a chair, takes it and leaves as if it were his own.

According to the report published on Facebook by user Alina Acosta, the theft occurred on August 9th inside the establishment Pelusín del Monte, on the bustling Calle del Medio in the capital of Matanzas.

The victim stated that the backpack contained a laptop and important documents, and requested citizen assistance in identifying the perpetrator.

"Please, if anyone recognizes him, call 58229574", Acosta wrote, accompanying the post with the security camera video.

Facebook capture/Yanisleydis Bacallao

In recent days, several similar incidents have raised alarms about insecurity in Cuba.

In Havana, two women were caught on camera by a small business in Central Havana while stealing two huge blocks of cheese.

One hid the product between her thighs and the other under her bust, taking advantage of her physique.

The video was shared by the internet user Rey Semino, who warned that these are "specialized thieves" who operate in groups.

Also in the capital, members of the Pinar del Río futsal team reported the theft of their mobile phones while they were sleeping at the sports motel Mulgoba, which belongs to INDER. Initial reports suggest that the thief may work at the very center.

And in another recent case in Centro Habana, neighbors caught an alleged thief inside a home in the early morning hours and beat him until the police arrived, who took hours to show up, according to witnesses.

These robberies, recorded and shared on social media, contribute to a growing wave of reports that reflect the vulnerability of businesses, homes, and public spaces in the face of crime.

The indignation lies not only in the material loss but also in the perception that the police response is slow and that more and more, citizens are forced to take matters into their own hands.

Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Theft in Cuba

What recent theft incidents have raised concern in Cuba?

Recent incidents of theft in Cuba include the stealing of a backpack with a laptop in Matanzas and the theft of blocks of cheese in Havana. These events have been captured by security cameras and have generated public outrage, reflecting a growing wave of crime in the country.

How has the community responded to the wave of thefts in Cuba?

La comunidad ha recurrido a las redes sociales para denunciar y difundir videos de robos, buscando identificar a los delincuentes y presionar a las autoridades para que actúen. Citizens have expressed outrage and, in some cases, have taken justice into their own hands due to police ineffectiveness.

What factors are contributing to the rise in thefts in Cuba?

The increase in thefts in Cuba is attributed to the economic crisis, inflation, and the scarcity of basic products. These factors have led to a rise in petty crimes and organized crime, impacting both private businesses and ordinary citizens.

What measures are being taken to combat crime in Cuba?

Despite the dissemination of videos and reports on social media, official responses are often slow or ineffective. Citizens have chosen to install security cameras and share visual evidence online as a form of defense and pressure for authorities to take action.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.