The Cuban youtuber and creator of the channel Víctor G., reported the theft of a friend's cell phone while they were in a crowded area of Havana, through a video shared on his TikTok account @victor.g731.
“Someone stole the phone from Kira's friend, and we are going to explain how it all happened so that you are extremely cautious when you are in this area, which is very crowded, with a lot of people walking the streets, and if you're not alert, it could happen to you too,” explained the content creator at the beginning of the video, recorded from the street.
The young woman explained that the theft occurred while she was buying a pack of cookies at a kiosk, at the very moment she opened a pocket of her backpack to retrieve the money.
"I leave with my pack of cookies very happy and I feel like the sound of the headphones with the music starts to cut out," she added, "and after that, when I check, my phone was gone.”
The victim explained that she walked a little further back and upon noticing her phone was missing, she tried to make a call: “I was so nervous, I asked a man if he could please let me make a call, at first it was busy, then it was off, and nothing, I’m still shocked right now because this is the first time something like this has happened to me.”
When asked about the speed of the incident, she said it was “totally and I didn’t realize it, I mean, it was right there next to me.” Regarding who was nearby, she confirmed that “yes,” referring to the fact that the only person beside her was the older woman.
In the comments of the video, someone shared a similar incident: “A few days ago, a guy called my cousin to ask her a question, and she ended up pulling the gold hoop earring from her ear, punched him in the chest, and ripped off the other one; they rode away on a motorcycle!!”
Street robberies in Cuba
This case is not isolated. In recent weeks, several similar incidents have been documented that reflect the increase in street robberies in various cities across the country, amidst a climate of rising insecurity and economic decline.
In Havana, a 64-year-old disabled elderly woman was assaulted in the early morning while selling products in a park. The attacker, who according to the victim was under the influence of “the chemical,” stole personal belongings and merchandise. “Why do they come to rob me? I have been a fighter for many years. The State pays me barely 1,543 pesos in pension, and that is not enough for anything,” she stated in tears. The case was documented in a video report published by the independent media Cubanet.
In Santiago de Cuba, a suspected thief was detained by citizens after being caught stealing a cellphone in front of the Marvy market, right on Garzón Avenue. The scene was recorded by passersby and shared on social media, where neighbors can be heard shouting, “Take him to the police, shameless thief!”
In Cárdenas, Matanzas, a man was arrested after snatching a phone from a worker who was waiting for the bus to Varadero. The police recovered the phone following a search of the suspect's home.
Another incident occurred in Sancti Spíritus, where a pickpocket stole the backpack of a transport inspector known as "El Azul," while he was waiting for a bus at the departure stop to Jatibonico. The bag contained personal documents, money, and the official's lunch.
An especially shocking situation was reported in Havana, when an injured motorist in an accident was robbed of his belongings by a man who pretended to be a relative of the victim. The thief stole identification documents and personal items while others were attempting to assist the injured person.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Theft in Havana
How did the cellphone theft happen in Havana?
The theft of the cell phone occurred while the victim was buying cookies at a kiosk and opened a pocket of her backpack to take out some money. At that moment, someone took the phone without her realizing it right away.
Is cell phone theft common in Cuba?
Yes, the theft of cell phones and other personal belongings is becoming increasingly common in Cuba, especially in crowded areas of cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba. These incidents reflect the growing insecurity in the country.
What is the response of the Cuban authorities to the increase in thefts?
Until now, the Cuban authorities have not provided an effective response to the rising thefts and assaults. The lack of action and delays in police intervention have been criticized by both citizens and tourists.
What precautions are recommended to avoid theft in Havana?
It is advisable to always be vigilant and avoid displaying valuable items in public. Additionally, it is recommended to keep belongings secured and close, and to prefer moving in groups, especially in very crowded or touristy areas.
How does the economic crisis affect security in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has contributed to the rise in crime, as many people resort to theft due to the scarcity of resources and lack of economic opportunities. This context has heightened the perception of insecurity among residents and visitors.
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