A family in Cárdenas, Matanzas, experienced a terrifying ordeal early Sunday morning when intruders broke into their home, moving through rooms where children were peacefully sleeping.
Christian Arbolaez, a local reporter, shared that the burglary took place around 3:00 a.m. at a residence on Cristina Street, nestled between Spriú and San José.
The intruders forced their way through a metal door, leaving a gaping hole where the lock once was, and shattered the glass above to gain entry into the home.
Despite realizing that strangers were inside, the family was frozen with fear and remained in bed as the thieves ransacked their home, taking off with their belongings.
Valuable Items Stolen
The stolen items included a valuable EcoFlow portable battery, a scooter, a PlayStation, keys, jewelry, meats, rice, and various other goods, all crucial for daily life in Cuba.
Lack of Police Response Raises Concerns
What intensifies the situation is the response, or rather the lack thereof, from the authorities. The family reported the burglary to the police around 4:00 a.m., yet by 11:30 a.m.—over seven hours later—no officers had arrived at the scene.
Arbolaez, who regularly reports on the rising crime in the municipality, echoed a question shared by many residents: "How can the community feel safe if hours pass after reporting a crime, with no sign of the authorities?"
Recurring Incidents Highlighting a Trend
This incident is not an isolated case. In early August, a private business, Mercado Real, was looted for the second time in less than a year in Cárdenas, with police taking over three hours to respond despite repeated pleas from the victims.
Police reportedly told the business owners that protecting a private enterprise was their own responsibility.
In July, facing inaction from the police, residents of the Fructuoso Rodríguez neighborhood captured and restrained a suspected thief on their own. "It was the neighbors themselves who managed to catch him, while authorities were yet to arrive," Arbolaez noted at the time.
The timeline of serious incidents in Cárdenas throughout 2026 also includes an armed robbery at an ice cream factory in April, the theft of solar panels from a maternity home in July, and a violent assault on a couple in Boca de Camarioca at the end of 2025, which left them severely injured.
Alarming Crime Statistics
The deterioration of public safety in Cárdenas mirrors a broader provincial and national trend.
The Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audits recorded 2,833 verified crimes in Cuba during 2025, marking a 115% increase from 2024, with theft being the most frequent crime, accounting for 1,536 cases. Matanzas led the national rankings with 503 verified crimes that year.
Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported in Sunday’s incident. However, the emotional toll is immeasurable: a family left with the haunting knowledge that strangers were mere feet away from where their children slept, and when they sought help from the state, no one came to their aid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Cárdenas
What measures are being taken to improve safety in Cárdenas?
Currently, residents express dissatisfaction with the pace and effectiveness of police responses. While some community groups have taken initiatives, a comprehensive plan from authorities is still awaited.
How frequent are burglaries in Cárdenas?
Burglaries have been on the rise, with Cárdenas experiencing significant incidents, reflecting a national increase in crime rates, particularly theft.
What items are commonly targeted by thieves in Cárdenas?
Thieves often target valuable and essential items such as electronics, vehicles, jewelry, and food supplies, which are crucial for daily survival in Cuba.