An attempted burglary in Guantánamo was caught on security cameras and quickly went viral on social media, highlighting a growing sense of insecurity among many Cubans.
The video, shared on Wednesday by user Giorge Sebastian in the Facebook group Revolico Guantánamo Plus, depicts several individuals trying to break into a house without success. Within hours, the footage garnered over 114,000 views.
Alongside the video, the homeowner issued a stern warning to the would-be intruders.
"To you petty thieves who attempted to steal and failed, there won't be a next time. If the police do nothing, I will. It's either me or you," he wrote.
This message echoes the frustration of numerous citizens who, amid rising thefts and perceived inadequate responses from authorities, are voicing their determination to defend their homes independently on social media.
Rising Crime Incidents in Guantánamo
Guantánamo has witnessed several similar incidents in recent months. In April, residents in the western area apprehended two individuals caught inside a home that houses a small business. In December 2024, locals subdued a young man armed with a knife who was allegedly fleeing after stealing cigarettes, clothing, shoes, and several ducks from a property.
More recently, in May, authorities reported the arrest of eight youths and six suspected receivers accused of involvement in the theft of solar lamps from public lighting across various locations in the province.
Widespread Concern Across Cuba
The concern over crime extends to other areas of the country. On June 2, a Cuban woman shared security camera footage showing two hooded figures walking on her roof, while on June 14, residents of Matanzas reported that unknown individuals completely dismantled a window to break into a home.
The surge in these incidents coincides with a rise in recorded crimes on the island. According to the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit, 2,833 verified crimes were documented in 2025, a 337% increase from 2023. Robberies alone accounted for 1,536 cases, representing a 479% rise compared to two years earlier.
Challenges Facing Law Enforcement
This situation is compounded by a reduction in available personnel within the National Revolutionary Police. According to previously released data, about 20% of the force left the institution over the past year amid a prolonged economic crisis that has worsened living conditions in the country.
In this context, social media has become the primary platform for citizens to publicly report criminal activities, share footage from surveillance cameras, and alert their communities about the rising insecurity.
Understanding Crime Trends in Cuba
What led to the increase in crime rates in Cuba?
The rise in crime rates in Cuba has been attributed to a combination of factors, including economic difficulties, insufficient law enforcement response, and a decrease in police personnel.
How are citizens responding to the crime wave in Cuba?
Citizens are increasingly turning to social media to report crimes, share surveillance footage, and express their frustration with the perceived lack of action by authorities.
What is the impact of the police workforce decline in Cuba?
The reduction in police personnel has further strained the country's ability to effectively address the rising crime rates, contributing to a sense of insecurity among the population.