A Cuban mother who lives alone with her younger son in the municipality of Colón, Matanzas province, was the victim of a robbery on the night of April 6 to 7, leaving her with virtually nothing. Days after filing a report with the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), no authorities have come to her home.
The incident was publicly shared on Facebook by Carlos Alberto Sosa Fuentes, the father of the minor and the former partner of the victim, who recounted in the first person the devastating impact of the theft and the subsequent institutional inaction.
"It's not just about material possessions; it's the result of years of sacrifice, constant effort, and deprivations endured in the hope of building a worthy home. All of that was violated in a matter of hours," wrote the whistleblower in a testimony that reflects an increasingly common situation in Cuba.
"Insecurity is not just a numbers problem; it is something that is experienced day by day," the source noted. "And when the response doesn't come, what remains is the feeling that we are moving backward."
After it became public, dozens of Cubans reacted with messages that reflect a widespread perception: that living in a context where reporting often changes nothing.
"Things don't show up 99% of the time... you feel like you don't matter to anyone," commented one user, reflecting a frustration shared by those who have had similar experiences. Another person went further, describing the situation as "everyman for himself," where criminals operate with impunity.
Some comments even hint at a deep distrust in institutions. "Here, the bandits work directly with the police," wrote another user, in a statement that, regardless of its truth, reveals the level of discredit that some citizens perceive.
There were also messages of solidarity. “I just hope that the mother of your child and your child are well,” expressed a user, highlighting the human impact of what happened, beyond the material aspects.
Others pointed out that insecurity is not exclusive to Colón. “It’s terrible in Cárdenas and nothing is being done,” warned another commentator, suggesting that the problem extends to other municipalities.
The lack of police response is not an isolated incident. 20% of the PNR officers have left the force, leaving many communities virtually unprotected against the rise of crime.
The provincial context worsens the situation even further. Matanzas was the province with the highest number of crimes in the country in 2025, a fact that contrasts with the minimal institutional presence to support the victims.
Nationally, the figures are equally alarming. According to official data, Cuba recorded 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, an increase of 115% compared to previous years. Thefts topped the statistics with 1,536 cases, solidifying their position as the most common crime throughout the country.
Violence has also taken bolder forms in rural areas. It was recently reported that seven masked individuals on horseback armed with weapons raided a cooperative, in an incident that highlights the decline of public safety in various regions of the country.
For this mother from Colón, the robbery not only meant the loss of her belongings but also confirmed that the State is absent when it is needed the most.
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