In the heart of Havana's Vedado neighborhood, a local resident turned to Facebook for help after discovering an unknown man had trespassed into his yard during the early hours of the morning. This incident was captured on video and shared on the social media platform.
Alejandro Zertucha shared his unsettling experience online, stating: "This individual entered my home's front yard at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday in Vedado. Any information would be helpful, please contact me privately."
The footage, taken from a home security camera, shows a person clad in a green shirt and dark pants moving around the yard. Due to the low-resolution quality, identifying the man is challenging, prompting Zertucha to seek assistance from the community in hopes someone might recognize him.
In the video, the suspect is seen meticulously inspecting the yard, even looking under a parked car. He eventually scaled a wall and vanished. The homeowner was left bewildered by the intruder's actions, remarking, "I don't know what that man was looking for there, under the car."
The video has garnered over 10,600 views on Facebook, highlighting the significant interest these kinds of reports generate among Havana's residents.
This incident adds to a string of recent reports of thefts and break-ins in Vedado. Earlier in September, surveillance footage captured a young man breaking into the La Mixóloga restaurant-bar on L Street between 19 and 21 at 6:49 a.m. This public appeal also sought help for identification.
Back in August, residents on 27th Street between N and O detained a suspected thief who had snatched a cell phone from a neighborhood resident. Similarly, in June, two burglars broke into a home on 6th Street and stole mobile phones while the occupants were present.
With a growing sense of impunity and slow police response times, Cubans are increasingly turning to social media as a pivotal tool for community surveillance and vigilance.
Community Safety and Social Media in Havana
How did Alejandro Zertucha discover the intruder?
Alejandro Zertucha discovered the intruder through footage captured by his home security camera.
What actions did the intruder take while in the yard?
The intruder carefully inspected the yard and looked under a parked car before climbing a wall and disappearing.
Why are residents turning to social media for help?
Due to a perceived lack of timely police response and a sense of impunity, residents use social media as a key tool for community surveillance and assistance.