A young man from Guantánamo offered a reward of 100,000 Cuban pesos to anyone who provides information that helps recover a stolen "coppelita," according to a notice posted this Friday on the social media accounts of the internet user Enyer Produce.
The stolen ice cream machine was taken in the early hours of this Friday, in front of the meat company in Guantánamo, and its owner is requesting public assistance for its recovery.
The affected individual reported that the theft was committed by several people due to the weight of the stolen item. The complainant, visibly distressed, recorded a video that is circulating on social media in which he asks the public to help in the search for the coppelita, and insists that the case go viral to attract the attention of the authorities.
According to the account, the stolen property was the result of a family effort aimed at supporting his cousin, a medical student, and his wife, who works as a teacher.
“It is painful what is happening here in Guantánamo because there are people who do not want to work and seek easy money by stealing,” he stated in the recording.
The incident has caused outrage in the community, where numerous complaints about recent robberies that have left several people “in ruins”. On social media, users are urging others to share the video to increase the chances of finding those responsible and recovering the coppelita.
So far, there have been no reports of police intervention in this case, although the situation has reignited public concern over the rising insecurity in the area.
This type of reward offering has become common in Guantánamo following an increase in robberies, especially at night.
The residents express concern about the insufficient public lighting and the limited police patrols, which they believe contribute to thefts.
Social media has become an essential tool for
Citizens use these platforms to share videos of thefts captured by security cameras and seek assistance in identifying the thieves.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "coppelita" robbery in Guantánamo and insecurity in Cuba
What is a "coppelita" and why is it important for the owner?
A "coppelita" is an ice cream making machine, and in this case, it was crucial for supporting a family in Guantánamo. The owner of the stolen "coppelita" had invested family effort into acquiring it, intended to provide financial support for his cousin, a medical student, and his cousin's wife, a teacher. The loss of the machine represents a significant financial blow to them.
What measures are citizens taking in response to the increasing insecurity in Cuba?
Citizens are offering cash rewards for information that helps recover stolen property or identify the thieves, due to their distrust in the effective action of the authorities. Additionally, they are using social media to share videos of the thefts and alert the community, aiming to generate public pressure and encourage citizen collaboration.
How has the lack of response from the authorities influenced the increase in thefts in Cuba?
The inaction or slowness of the authorities has fostered a sense of impunity among criminals, contributing to the increase in thefts. This situation has prompted citizens to take matters into their own hands, such as offering rewards and using social media to share evidence of crimes and seek community assistance.
What impact does the economic crisis have on insecurity in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has exacerbated insecurity by increasing the incidence of theft and burglary. The lack of resources, inflation, and shortages lead some to seek illegal means to obtain goods, while the general population increasingly feels vulnerable and unprotected, both in their homes and in public spaces.
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