In a recent incident, ten individuals have been apprehended in connection with the theft of 150 aluminum chairs from the Victoria de Girón Medical School, situated in Playa municipality, Havana. This information comes from reports shared on Facebook pages that support the Cuban government.
According to a post by Javier Gutiérrez, a profile known for frequently reporting on police operations in Cuba, the arrests were made possible through security camera footage and investigations conducted in the Querejeta-Cubanacán neighborhood in Playa. Initially, the police detained three suspects involved in the robbery, which occurred on December 29, 2024, but later identified and captured seven additional suspects.
Reports from this user and the pro-government profile, El Cubano Fiel, which is linked to the Ministry of the Interior on the island, reveal that the investigation not only resolved the case of the stolen chairs but also helped clear up four other criminal cases in the area. Currently, those arrested are being processed by the courts. So far, no official statements have been released by the authorities except for the reports broadcast on social media by accounts aligned with the government narrative.
In recent months, Cuba has seen a significant rise in criminal activity, sparking growing concerns about public safety. Thefts have impacted both urban and rural areas, with incidents ranging from the theft of parts at a solar park in Matanzas to violent assaults on the elderly in Camagüey during power outages.
In Havana, security cameras have captured thieves in action. Moreover, the economic crisis has manifested in crimes against state-run establishments, such as the arrest of three individuals for stealing basic goods from a ration store in Havana. This rising trend of crime has led, in some instances, to the public taking justice into their own hands, apprehending criminals and handing them over to the authorities, highlighting a growing skepticism about the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Addressing Rising Crime in Cuba
What led to the arrest of the suspects in the chair theft case?
The arrests were facilitated by security camera footage and thorough investigations in the Querejeta-Cubanacán neighborhood in Playa.
How has crime impacted different areas in Cuba?
Crime has affected both urban and rural regions, with incidents ranging from thefts at a solar park to violent crimes against the elderly during blackouts.
What has been the public's response to the rising crime rates?
In some cases, the public has begun taking justice into their own hands by capturing criminals and turning them over to the authorities.