The owner of a house in Santiago de Cuba discovered a man stealing inside his home and confronted him with a machete, according to reports from the scene. The incident occurred in the La Risueña neighborhood, near the Alejandro Urgellés Multipurpose Hall on Mariana Grajales Avenue, confirmed a source to journalist Yosmany Mayeta.
A video sent to Mayeta captured the moment a man dragged the wounded burglar by his shirt and handed him over to a patrol car, while two police officers stood by without intervening. The person who recorded the video said the homeowner, identified as Urbano, "came home from work and found the burglar, then struck him on the head with a machete."
This incident is not the first time the homeowner has been targeted by thieves. The source mentioned that just a few days earlier, his house was completely ransacked while he was at work.
So far, no further details have emerged about this incident, which highlights the growing crime rate in the country. Many citizens are taking matters into their own hands to deter criminals. Recently, neighbors in the Sevillano district of Havana caught and beat a thief who was attempting to rob homes in the area. They made him sit in the street until the police arrived to arrest him.
This week, residents of the Indaya neighborhood in the Marianao municipality also captured a man who had stolen from a home. They tied him up and held him until the police arrived.
In late May, the Cuban government acknowledged that its tough-on-crime policy has not been effective, admitting that criminal activities are on the rise. "Yes, there is confrontation," stated Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, but he conceded that crimes and illegal activities are increasing instead of decreasing.
The regime does not publish crime statistics, and official media rarely report such incidents unless they have significant societal impact, like the brutal murder of four people in Ceballos, Ciego de Ávila last August. However, on social media, Cubans report daily incidents indicating the rising crime and violence in Cuba.
Increased Crime and Vigilante Actions in Cuba
As crime rates rise in Cuba, many citizens are taking justice into their own hands. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent surge in criminal activity and the public's response.
What happened in Santiago de Cuba involving the burglar?
A homeowner in Santiago de Cuba discovered a burglar in his house and attacked him with a machete. The incident was captured on video and shows the homeowner handing the injured burglar over to the police.
How are citizens responding to the rise in crime?
Many citizens are taking matters into their own hands by capturing, detaining, and sometimes physically assaulting criminals until the police arrive.
What has the Cuban government said about the rising crime rates?
The Cuban government has admitted that its tough-on-crime policies have not been successful and that criminal activities are on the rise.
Are crime statistics available in Cuba?
No, the regime does not publish crime statistics, and official media rarely report such incidents unless they have significant societal impact.