An attempted burglary at a home in Guantánamo was captured by security cameras and went viral on social media, accompanied by a message from the owner that reflects the growing sense of insecurity among many Cubans.
The video, posted on Wednesday in the Facebook group Revolico Guantánamo Plus by user Giorge Sebastian, shows several individuals attempting to force their way into a house without managing to enter the property. Within a few hours, the recording surpassed 114,000 views.
Along with the images, the owner issued a warning to those who tried to enter his home.
"For you, petty thieves who attempted to steal and failed, next time you try, there won't be a next time. To whoever is caught... since the police do nothing, I will take action. Either I remain or you do."
The message reflects the discontent of many citizens who, faced with an increase in thefts and the perception of an inadequate response from the authorities, are expressing their frustration on social media and their intention to protect their homes on their own.
Guantánamo has been the scene of several similar incidents in recent months. In April, neighbors from the western area captured two individuals found inside a home where a small business operates. In December 2024, residents subdued a young man armed with a knife who was attempting to escape after allegedly stealing cigarettes, clothing, footwear, and several ducks from a property.
More recently, in May, authorities reported the arrest of eight young individuals and six suspected receivers accused of being involved in the theft of solar lamps from public lighting at various locations in the province.
Concerns about crime are spreading to other regions of the country. On June 2, a Cuban woman shared images captured by security cameras showing two individuals in hoods walking on the roof of her home, while on June 14, residents of Matanzas reported that unknown persons completely dismantled a window to break in and steal from a house.
The rise in these incidents coincides with an increase in recorded crimes on the island. According to the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory, in 2025, 2,833 verified crimes were documented, a 337% increase compared to 2023. Theft alone accounted for 1,536 cases, representing a 479% rise compared to two years earlier.
This scenario is compounded by the decrease in available personnel in the Revolutionary National Police. According to data previously released by the authorities, around 20% of the officers left the institution during the last year, amid a prolonged economic crisis that has deteriorated living conditions in the country.
In that context, social media has become the primary platform where citizens publicly report criminal incidents, share images captured by surveillance cameras, and alert their communities about the rise in insecurity.
Filed under: