On Monday night, an act of vandalism was reported against a watch shop located on Obispo Street, in the heart of Old Havana, one of the main tourist and commercial corridors of the Cuban capital.
According to information published by CubaNet and confirmed by employees of the establishment, the perpetrators broke one of the shop's display windows and stole two handbags that were on display. The employees believe this was a deliberate act intended to cause harm, as no other items available in the store were taken.
On Tuesday morning, agents from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) arrived at the scene but left shortly afterward, according to testimonies gathered by the independent media.
This new incident occurs in a context of increasing public insecurity in Cuba. Only in the first half of 2024, the observatory Cuba Siglo 21 documented 432 violent crimes, including 260 robberies and 91 homicides. The organization also estimated an increase of more than 50% in crime compared to 2023, with Havana being one of the most affected provinces.
On Obispo Street— a key artery of Old Havana— there have also been previous reports of assaults on tourists and other acts of vandalism. On social media, the video of the vandalized establishment was widely shared, highlighting the visible damage to the storefront.
This incident adds to a series of similar occurrences that have taken place in recent weeks. On August 5th, an ATM of Banco Metropolitano in Santos Suárez was stoned during a massive power outage. A month earlier, another ATM in Diez de Octubre was attacked, prompting the banking institution to acknowledge the growing frustration among the population due to cash shortages and the deterioration of the banking system.
In this context, the Supreme Court of Cuba ruled in May that crimes affecting strategic infrastructures will be judged as sabotage, with increased penalties and expedited judicial treatment. Although this case has not been officially classified yet, the climate of social tension and the recurrence of similar incidents fuel public concern.
Meanwhile, the regime remains silent, and the citizens continue to face an increasing sense of insecurity amid the economic and social crisis impacting the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increasing Insecurity in Havana
What happened at the watch shop on Obispo Street in Havana?
The watch shop located on Obispo street in Old Havana was vandalized when one of its display windows was broken and two handbags on display were stolen. This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising public insecurity in Cuba.
How is insecurity affecting the residents of Havana?
Insecurity is causing growing concern among residents, with an increase in vandalism and violent crimes. Havana is one of the most affected provinces, with a significant rise in criminal activity. This reflects a climate of social tension amid the economic crisis and resource shortages.
What are the causes behind the increase in vandalism in Cuba?
The rise of vandalism in Cuba can be attributed to several factors, including citizens' frustration over the scarcity of basic resources, the deterioration of the banking system, and the lack of effective responses from the government. Vandalistic acts, such as attacks on ATMs and the destruction of property, are seen as a form of protest against the unsustainable situation facing the population.
What measures is the government taking to combat insecurity in Havana?
The Cuban government has promised to strengthen surveillance and increase collaboration with citizens to reduce vandalism. However, the recurrence of incidents and the official silence have fueled public discontent, and many citizens believe that the measures are insufficient.
Filed under:
