A video that has gone viral on social media shows a cashier at a gas station store in Little Havana standing up to a man who was stealing two beers from the establishment last Tuesday. The footage, captured by the store's surveillance camera, depicts the moment the woman—likely Cuban based on her accent—was attending to other customers when she energetically called out the thief just as he was about to leave with the beers hidden under his clothes.
"Give me the beer you're carrying, the beers you're carrying. Give me the beers you're carrying," the woman repeated as she pointed to where the thief had the beers concealed. Confused, the man—who apparently did not speak Spanish—handed over one of the cans but kept the other.
"Give me the one you're carrying," the cashier insisted, eventually retrieving the second alcoholic beverage amid the silence and anticipation of the remaining customers. After handing over both beers, the man left peacefully, presumably to the relief of everyone present.
Bravery or recklessness? That’s the question many are asking on social media and also what was debated by panelists on the America Tevé program, La Cosa Nostra, where the video was shared and discussed. Some believe the protagonist of the anecdote—Cuban or not—might be a recent arrival and still unaware of the immense danger involved in confronting a thief, especially if it’s unknown whether they are armed.
The police usually advise against cashiers or employees of any establishment under assault confronting thieves as it puts their lives in grave danger.
Recent Similar Incident in Miami
In recent days, another incident made headlines when the owner of a restaurant in Miami detected a thief inside the establishment and fearlessly confronted him. The incident occurred around 2:30 AM last Thursday at El Jardín Latino, located at 32nd Street and 17th Avenue in northwest Miami.
The business owners were sleeping when they were awakened by an alert from the surveillance cameras indicating the presence of intruders. The man called 911 and immediately went to the location to prevent the criminal from getting away. Thanks to his determination, he managed to capture the thief.
The video, aired by América TeVe, shows the thief with a bandana covering his face, rummaging through the cash register, grabbing items, and placing them in his backpack. He is then seen raising his hands as the owner approaches with a stick. The criminal backs away as the owner and a friend who joins him corner him. After a struggle, the two managed to subdue the thief.
FAQs About Confronting Thieves in Miami
This section answers some frequently asked questions about the incidents of confronting thieves in Miami, as highlighted in the recent events.
Is it safe to confront a thief in Miami?
It is generally not considered safe to confront a thief, as they may be armed and dangerous. Police advise against such actions to avoid putting your life at risk.
What should you do if you encounter a thief in your store?
If you encounter a thief in your store, it is recommended to call 911 immediately and avoid direct confrontation. Prioritize your safety and let the authorities handle the situation.
Have there been recent incidents of store owners confronting thieves in Miami?
Yes, there have been recent incidents, such as the one involving the owner of El Jardín Latino restaurant, who confronted and apprehended a thief inside his establishment.