The Cuban government has rolled out a fresh initiative called "Community Vigilance for My Store" aimed at tackling crime in outlets that distribute rationed goods. According to a report by the state-run newspaper Ahora, this plan emerges as a response to the challenging situation faced by the Municipal Commerce Company of Holguín, where 13 criminal incidents were recently reported, including 11 burglaries and 2 attempted thefts.
The program, as detailed in official information, was launched at the "February 4th" store within the "Pedro Díaz Coello" Popular Council, involving participation from Communist Party and government authorities at both provincial and municipal levels. During the inauguration, additional measures were unveiled, such as extending store hours, using WhatsApp groups to inform customers about product availability in vulnerable stores, and devising a guard plan that involves workers, leaders, and consumers.
Authorities assured that surprise inspections would be conducted across various units at night, and efforts would be made to promote the use of digital platforms and additional cash registers to minimize cash presence in the stores. A Telegram channel will also be created to facilitate communication with the public.
Despite the initiative, which underscores a concern for safeguarding resources meant for the population and ensuring subsidized products reach their intended recipients without being diverted to the black market, the measure has drawn criticism from citizens. Many perceive it as an attempt to shift state responsibilities onto the people, without offering real solutions to the supply crisis.
"How can we guard if there's not even food in the stores?" questioned a resident on social media, echoing the frustration of many Cubans amid the ongoing shortage of basic goods. The "Community Vigilance for My Store" strategy is reminiscent of past community surveillance initiatives led by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), historically used for social control and reporting alleged offenders.
In this instance, the focus is on protecting stores frequently targeted for theft due to the food crisis and the lack of resources to ensure their security. For instance, in November 2024, the Revolutionary National Police apprehended three individuals involved in stealing rationed items from a store in the Rampa Popular Council, Havana. The perpetrators forcibly entered the establishment to seize goods intended for the public, but were caught thanks to neighbors alerting the authorities.
In January 2025, in Unión de Reyes, Matanzas, police detained a man implicated in stealing basic ration items from a local store. Authorities recovered bags of rice and sugar, coffee packets, bath soaps, and tubes of toothpaste from the suspect's residence, all intended for the ration booklet. These incidents highlight a concerning pattern across multiple provinces. In Las Tunas, 48 store thefts were reported in the first half of 2024, mainly in Las Tunas and Puerto Padre municipalities, with a significant increase in July and August.
Throughout 2023, 361 burglaries were reported in Cuban stores up until May, according to official statistics. The most stolen goods included rice, beans, powdered milk, coffee, vegetable oil, sugar, soap, and cigarettes.
Understanding Cuba's Ration Store Crime Prevention Strategy
What is the "Community Vigilance for My Store" initiative?
The "Community Vigilance for My Store" initiative is a Cuban government strategy to combat crimes in ration stores by involving community members in surveillance and implementing additional security measures.
Why has the initiative been criticized by citizens?
Citizens have criticized the initiative as an attempt to shift state responsibilities onto the populace, without addressing the root causes of the supply crisis and persistent shortages of basic goods.
How does this initiative compare to past measures?
The initiative is similar to past community surveillance efforts led by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, which were used for social control and reporting alleged offenders.