Residents of Old Havana recently took matters into their own hands by detaining a man who had snatched a cellphone from a 73-year-old Belgian tourist. The incident, captured by a surveillance camera, was shared on Tuesday by Ransel Londres on Facebook, a profile known to be aligned with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
The event unfolded in the popular Cathedral neighborhood, where the quick response of locals led to the thief's capture and the return of the cellphone to the tourist before the police arrived. "Thanks to the community's swift action, the thief was caught, and the phone was returned to the lady. Well, you know, the police arrived to take him to the station," Londres recounted in his post, which included images and videos of the incident.
Londres emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackling these issues: “Addressing the negative trends in our society requires integrative measures, with popular participation and control that strengthens our people's unity.” However, this pro-regime profile conveniently omitted the fact that Cuba is facing one of its worst economic crises, a result of poor decisions by the last three governments that have perpetuated poverty and scarcity.
CubaNet, a news portal, published a video of the incident, highlighting how it underscores the rising insecurity in Old Havana, one of the capital's most tourist-frequented areas. The publication also praised the quick reaction of bystanders who managed to stop the thief before he could flee, as well as the growing worry among locals and tourists about the frequency of such crimes. Witnesses reported that the thief knocked the elderly woman to the ground while attempting to steal her phone, further fueling the crowd's anger and prompting intervention.
In recent months, insecurity in Cuba has reached alarming levels, with numerous cases of theft and violence causing widespread concern among the population. On January 24, 2025, violence claimed the life of Yoandri Giménez, a 21-year-old who was stabbed in Central Havana after leaving work, apparently targeted for his cellphone. Despite calling for help, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after at Calixto García Hospital. This tragedy adds to a string of recent incidents illustrating the rise in violent robberies in Havana.
Just a few weeks earlier, on November 27, 2024, in Santiago de Cuba, residents of Los Pinos neighborhood took justice into their own hands by capturing a suspected thief. The man, caught in the act, was tied up in the street while awaiting police arrival, reflecting the community's growing frustration with the authorities' inadequate response to the crime wave.
On November 15, 2024, a Cuban father living in the United States expressed his frustration over the burglary of his mother-in-law's home in Havana, where his young daughters also reside. Thieves stole money, appliances, and even the children's schoolbooks. The police took days to respond, sparking outrage and highlighting the impunity with which criminals operate on the island.
The problem is not confined to the capital. On October 4, 2024, a Cuban living in the U.S. offered a reward of 1.5 million Cuban pesos for information on a robbery at his home in Santa Clara. Thieves broke in overnight, stealing a gold chain, cash, and other valuables. Despite security camera footage, authorities have yet to resolve the case.
In rural areas, the situation is equally dire. On September 17, 2024, a Baracoa, Guantánamo resident reported the theft and slaughter of her horse, a recurring issue in the region. Despite frequent complaints, the police have not taken effective action, leading to distrust and fear among farmers.
These incidents reveal the increasing insecurity in Cuba and the authorities' failure to provide an effective response, leaving citizens vulnerable and unprotected.
Understanding the Rising Crime in Cuba
What led to the increase in crime in Old Havana?
The rise in crime in Old Havana is attributed to the country's severe economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by poor governmental decisions over recent years, resulting in increased poverty and scarcity.
How are residents responding to the crime wave?
Residents have increasingly resorted to taking matters into their own hands, capturing thieves and detaining them until police arrive, due to frustration with the lack of effective law enforcement.
What impact has the crime surge had on tourism in Havana?
The increase in crime has raised concerns among both locals and tourists, potentially affecting Havana's reputation as a safe destination and impacting the tourism industry negatively.