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The province of Holguín has recorded an increase of more than 300 break-ins so far this year, primarily in unoccupied homes and state entities, according to a recent report from the Ministry of the Interior.
The report was released by the official newspaper Ahora after a plenary session led by Joel Queipo Ruiz, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Holguín, where the crime indicators in the region were analyzed. In total, the authorities reported the occurrence of more than 17,000 crimes so far in 2025, although they noted that some types of crimes have decreased slightly compared to the previous year.
According to the authorities, the province has recorded 17,204 criminal incidents to date, 319 less than in the same period in 2024, which represents a slight overall decrease. A trend towards decline has also been noted since July, especially in crimes related to large livestock theft and multiple incidents, which involve the theft of more than one cattle.
However, within that general context, the Ministry of the Interior specified that the number of burglaries increased by more than 300 incidents, with a notable concentration in the municipalities of Holguín and Moa. Unoccupied homes have been the primary target of criminals, although incidents in workplaces and state entities are also reported.
Authorities mentioned that nine municipalities managed to contain the increase in crimes, with Mayarí among the top performers. A decrease in scams and threats was also reported compared to the previous month.
Among the affected institutions are the University of Holguín, the Tobacco Company, Cubiza, Transmetro, the Providencia Photovoltaic Solar Park, and the Fernando de Dios Sugar Company. There have also been documented thefts in warehouses and units of the Water Supply and Sewerage service, reflecting an expansion of the phenomenon into different sectors.
In the meeting, the authorities of Minint acknowledged that the shortage of security and protection agents is one of the most common reasons behind the increase in thefts, although they emphasized the need to strengthen internal control and community surveillance.
Rising insecurity throughout Cuba
The increase in thefts in Holguín adds to other reported criminal incidents in various provinces of the country. In Cárdenas, Matanzas, a man identified as José Nivaldo Alfonso Calero was arrested after confessing to nine burglaries in homes and businesses, while local authorities are also investigating the recent murder of a 61-year-old merchant in that city.
In eastern Cuba, the University of Oriente, in Santiago de Cuba, has strengthened its security personnel and suspended classes to prevent looting in light of the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, amidst a growing concern for the safety of institutional assets.
A reflection of social decay
Although official reports highlight slight decreases in some crime categories, the disclosed figures reflect a sustained trend of insecurity in several Cuban provinces. Robberies with violence, in particular, have become frequent in both urban and rural areas, affecting families as well as economic entities.
The increase in these crimes occurs in a context of deep economic crisis, food shortages, and prolonged blackouts, factors that contribute to a general decline in living conditions and an rise in criminal activities throughout the country.
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