A resident of Santiago de Cuba, known on Facebook as Yunis La Mulatona, reported the theft of a gray Royal-brand refrigerator and a white Salco rechargeable fan from her home. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning after intruders broke through her daughter's bedroom window to gain access.
The victim made a public appeal on social media, stating, "If anyone happens to see a gray Royal-brand refrigerator, five feet tall, being sold, please contact me as it was taken from my house overnight, along with a medium-sized white Salco rechargeable fan."
This incident was brought to wider attention by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada. Shortly after his involvement, the refrigerator's owner informed him that "the police are handling it," which limited what Mayeta could share publicly.
While the victim awaited action from the National Revolutionary Police, followers of the social media page sprang into action. An anonymous witness reported seeing around 5:00 AM, four individuals moving the refrigerator through Parque de Carretera del Morro, heading towards Calle 9 in the Veguita de Galo neighborhood.
Mayeta summarized the situation with a telling statement about the island's reality: "The owner trusts the police, but I trust the followers who provide information."
Community Action vs. Police Response
This is not an isolated incident. In Santiago de Cuba, residents have often taken matters into their own hands, detaining suspected thieves themselves due to the often lengthy wait for police intervention.
Documented cases reveal families waiting over 10 hours after reporting a theft, or officers promising to show up "when daylight comes." Just two days prior to this theft, city residents were warning about night-time robberies in areas like Trocha and Gasómetro.
The irony is stark: the refrigerator's owner hopes the institution will solve her case, yet it was anonymous citizens who had already traced the thieves' path within hours.
Mayeta explained frankly, "A social media post can accomplish in hours what a filed complaint might take days to achieve: eyes on the street, testimonies, and citizens ready to speak up."
Rising Violence and Insecurity in Cuba
The national context exacerbates the situation. According to Cubalex data, between 2023 and August 2026, there were 2,932 documented incidents of violence and insecurity in Cuba, including 736 homicides.
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 verified crimes in 2025 alone, a 115% increase from the previous year, with thefts being the most common crime, totaling 1,536 cases.
As of this report's conclusion, the alleged perpetrators of the refrigerator theft remain unidentified and uncaptured, while the Cuban police just launched a 24-hour complaint line — though it's only available in Havana, not in Santiago de Cuba.
Understanding the Challenges of Law Enforcement in Cuba
What actions did the victim take after the theft?
The victim publicly appealed on social media for help locating her stolen refrigerator and fan.
How did the community respond to the theft?
Members of the community quickly provided information, including an anonymous report of individuals seen moving the refrigerator.
What challenges are faced by residents in Santiago de Cuba regarding crime?
Residents often face long waits for police response and have taken matters into their own hands to apprehend suspects.