An alleged thief was captured by residents of the San Pedrito neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba, but they decided to release him because the police never showed up.
A video shared on the social media platform Facebook by communicator Yosmany Mayeta showed the moment when the individual was cornered against a fence after supposedly robbing a house located on Guardado Street, between Loynaz del Castillo and Pedrera.
However, after a long wait, the residents decided to let him go due to the police's apparent neglect of the reported incident. The young miscreant took advantage of this "stroke of luck" and ran away.
Situations like these are becoming commonplace in the country. A couple of weeks ago, also in Santiago de Cuba, another man was caught in the San Pedrito neighborhood after allegedly snatching a cell phone from a young girl.
Similarly, residents in the city of Las Tunas captured a man who stole a cell phone from a house and had six other phones in his possession, which he had presumably stolen the same day.
In a Facebook post, user Rosy GE reported that the individual had just taken a mobile phone from her sister's home, but was apprehended by local residents and taken to a police station.
These incidents have almost become part of daily life in Cuba amid the rising tide of crime plaguing the nation.
Crime and Law Enforcement Issues in Cuba
The following questions and answers delve deeper into the current crime situation and law enforcement challenges in Cuba.
Why did the neighbors decide to release the alleged thief?
The neighbors decided to release the alleged thief because the police never showed up despite the reported incident. They felt they had no other option due to the lack of police response.
Are incidents like these common in Cuba?
Yes, incidents like these are becoming increasingly common in Cuba. There have been multiple reports of similar situations where residents have had to take matters into their own hands due to the slow or absent response from law enforcement.
What are the implications of these incidents on public safety in Cuba?
These incidents highlight significant issues with public safety and law enforcement in Cuba. The rising crime rate and the apparent inefficiency of the police force pose serious concerns for the safety and security of Cuban citizens.