A man who snatched a woman's purse in Plaza de Marte Park in Santiago de Cuba was apprehended on Wednesday by bystanders and patrolling police officers.
The alleged thief fled after stealing the woman's belongings, reported independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who accompanied the report with a video sent by a follower of his Facebook page.
The clip shows the police guarding a handcuffed individual while several onlookers gather around. The police waited with the detained man on a sidewalk in the popular park until a vehicle arrived to transport him for questioning.
The journalist mentioned that he did not have details about the individuals involved in the incident and called for assistance in identifying the alleged perpetrator.
In the context of the structural crisis affecting Cuban society, such incidents are not new, as reports of thefts involving cell phones, money, and other valuables are increasingly common on social media.
Increasing Incidents of Theft in Cuba
In February of this year, young Cubans who experienced thefts at a bus stop in Santa Clara organized to capture a pickpocket. The man had stolen cell phones, tablets, and other items from university students while they were waiting for a bus.
Another alleged pickpocket was detained in June after stealing a cell phone from a woman on a P6 bus route in Old Havana. The thief was caught by the police after taking the phone amidst the usual chaos on public transportation, exacerbated by the island's transportation shortages and the challenges Cubans face in commuting.
A report aired on the Mesa Redonda television program revealed that a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being caught stealing a cell phone from its owner on a P12 bus in Havana. The incident occurred around 4:00 pm while the bus was traveling along Avenida Boyeros and Calzada del Cerro.
FAQs on Theft Incidents in Cuba
With the rising number of theft incidents in Cuba, many people have questions regarding the situation and safety measures. Here are some answers to common inquiries:
What is causing the increase in thefts in Cuba?
The increase in thefts in Cuba is largely attributed to the ongoing structural crisis affecting the country, which has led to economic hardships for many citizens.
How do Cuban citizens typically respond to theft incidents?
Cuban citizens often take matters into their own hands by organizing to capture thieves, as seen in recent incidents where victims and bystanders have worked together to apprehend pickpockets.
What actions are the police taking to address thefts in Cuba?
The police are actively patrolling areas and responding to theft incidents, but their efforts are often hampered by the widespread issues and resource limitations within the country.