On a Wednesday afternoon, locals from 27th Street between N and O in El Vedado managed to detain a man allegedly involved in snatching a cell phone from a resident just as the individual was about to enter their home. This incident was reported on Facebook by Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona, who presides over the Rampa Popular Council in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality.
The official shared photographs depicting the suspect seated on the pavement encircled by community members. He also mentioned that the individual was taken to the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) station located at Zapata and C, within Vedado itself.
"This afternoon, residents of 27th Street between N and O apprehended the individual shown in the images after he snatched a cell phone from a neighbor about to enter their home," Garcés Escalona posted on his profile.
The images reveal a man with a shaved head, slim build, tattoos on his arms, a nose piercing, and a white printed t-shirt.
Community Alert and Call for Previous Victims
Garcés Escalona also urged any previous victims of the suspect to come forward and report to the mentioned police unit: "Individuals who have been victims of his criminal actions are encouraged to visit the specified unit."
He concluded his post with a rallying cry to the area's residents: "In Rampa Popular Council, beware, the rooster will peck you!"
Growing Trend of Neighborhood Vigilance
This isn't the first instance where Garcés Escalona has utilized social media to highlight such community-led arrests. In June, residents of Vedado captured another man who attacked a young woman to steal her electric scooter at J and 21, also within the Rampa Popular Council area. Following the same procedure, Garcés Escalona shared images of the apprehended individual and directed victims to the Zapata and C police unit.
Throughout 2026, these neighborhood captures have become more frequent amid escalating insecurity in Havana. In May, locals apprehended an alleged cell phone thief in El Vedado who was reportedly on prison leave. June saw over 30 home burglaries in a single week within the area bounded by Zapata and 23, and between Paseo and 12.
Rising Concerns Over Public Safety in Cuba
In early August, the regime showcased alleged thieves detained in Havana on social media with the slogan "The streets belong to the people." This approach has been criticized by human rights organizations for compromising basic procedural rights by publicly displaying individuals before any judicial process.
The insecurity situation in Cuba is backed by statistics: the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory reported 2,833 verified crimes in 2025, marking a 115% increase compared to 2024, with 1,536 of these being thefts.
In February 2026, the Ministry of the Interior acknowledged a 25% rise in property crimes, attributing it to the "complex economic situation," yet not assuming institutional responsibility for the deterioration of public order.
Understanding the Crime Surge in Vedado
What actions are residents in Vedado taking against theft?
Residents in Vedado have been increasingly taking matters into their own hands by capturing alleged thieves and turning them over to the authorities, as seen in recent incidents reported on social media.
How has the crime rate changed in Cuba in recent years?
Crime rates in Cuba have surged, with the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory noting a 115% increase in verified crimes in 2025 compared to the previous year. The Ministry of the Interior also acknowledged a 25% rise in property crimes in early 2026.
What are the criticisms of the regime's handling of crime in Havana?
The regime's approach of publicly showcasing detained suspects on social media has been criticized for potentially violating procedural rights, as this exposes individuals before any judicial process takes place.