In a rather unusual turn of events, a family residing in the Vereda Zacateca, along the path leading to the mountainous town of Escandell in El Caney, Santiago de Cuba, has once again caught a man attempting to steal from their private farm. Astonishingly, this marks the third thwarted attempt by the same thief, who is often seen with accomplices, as reported on social media by journalist Yosmany Mayeta.
The thief was intercepted by the farmers while trying to make off with harvested goods from the land. As in previous incidents, he was restrained by the neck and other parts of his body before being handed over to the police at El Caney.
In a short video shared by Mayeta, the farm owner can be heard confronting the thief. The farmer questions the man about whether he owns any land to steal from, to which the visibly frightened thief replies, "No, compay, no." The thief claims that hunger drives him to steal.
The situation took a tense turn when the landowner called for a machete, seemingly intending to take justice into his own hands. However, family members intervened, preventing any further escalation. As a warning, the thief was paraded naked and tied up through the center of the town, exposing his actions to the local community.
Despite being handed over to the authorities each time, the farmers complain that the thief returns to attempt another theft shortly after his release. Mayeta Labrada has urged the governmental and police forces in Santiago de Cuba to implement decisive actions against this repeat offender.
In recent years, thefts on Cuban farms have surged alarmingly, posing a persistent challenge for farmers nationwide. This rise is linked to the severe economic crisis gripping the island, characterized by food shortages and declining living standards.
Farmers, already facing numerous obstacles in producing and selling their crops, now have to contend with frequent thefts that jeopardize their livelihood and that of their families. Despite multiple complaints, the response from the authorities remains inadequate, leaving farmers vulnerable and often forcing them to take security measures into their own hands, at the risk of violent confrontations.
Addressing Farm Theft in Cuba
Why is farm theft increasing in Cuba?
The increase in farm thefts is largely attributed to Cuba's severe economic crisis, marked by food shortages and deteriorating living conditions.
What measures are farmers taking to protect their farms?
Farmers are often compelled to implement their own security measures, such as restraining thieves, due to inadequate responses from authorities.
How have local authorities responded to the issue of theft?
Despite repeated complaints, the response from local authorities has been limited, leaving farmers in a vulnerable position.