The Cuban police have arrested a man suspected of stealing tombstones from graves at the Jewish Cemetery in Guanabacoa, Havana. This information was revealed on the pro-government Facebook page "El Cubano Fiel," which posted a photo of the thief being detained by an officer.
The report also featured an image of a grave that had its entire covering removed. Cemetery workers mentioned that authorities had already been suspicious of the individual, who allegedly stole the headstones to sell them later.
On January 16, a police operation successfully caught him red-handed at the Havana graveyard. The theft of tombstones and other grave elements has surged in Cuba, partly because they fetch high prices on the black market due to being made of granite or even marble.
The rising crime rate and inadequate response by the authorities have led to increased insecurity affecting even cemeteries. This is evidenced by numerous complaints on social media.
Theft and Security in Cuban Cemeteries
Why are tombstones being stolen in Cuba?
Tombstones are being stolen in Cuba because they are made of valuable materials like granite and marble, which can be sold at high prices on the black market.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking to prevent cemetery thefts?
Cuban authorities conduct police operations to catch thieves in the act and rely on community tips to identify suspects, although their response has been criticized as inadequate.