With the help of neighbors, the police arrested a man who allegedly attempted to steal a gas cylinder from a house in the heart of Santiago de Cuba this Sunday. A report from communicator Yosmany Mayeta detailed the event and included a video of the moment the supposed thief was captured inside his own home, where he had hidden after being caught red-handed stealing a gas cylinder from a house on Carnicería Street between San Carlos and Santa Rosa.
The individual who sent the images to Mayeta claimed this was the second time the man had stolen a gas cylinder. "Upon realizing he was being followed, he dropped the cylinder and continued to his house where he had a knife, but he was already caught at home and taken away," the source stated.
Neighbors and passersby gathered at the scene, shouting "thief," "shameless," among other insults, urging the police to take the criminal away, Mayeta reported, noting that the identity of the detained individual remains unknown.
In addition to severe shortages of basic necessities and rampant inflation during one of the worst economic crises the country has faced, Cubans also contend with an unprecedented crime wave, featuring daily occurrences of thefts, assaults, and violent crimes.
Recent Crime Incidents in Cuba
Recently, also in Santiago de Cuba, authorities apprehended a young man who had snatched a cellphone from an elderly person. In Sancti Spíritus, the owner of a stolen motorcycle offered a reward for any information leading to the recovery of the vehicle. In Old Havana, a man was caught committing a robbery with a knife inside a secondary school.
A high-profile theft emerged last week in Artemisa, where 12 individuals made off with two tons of sugar from the Harlem sugar mill in Bahía Honda after bribing the two company guards, according to authorities.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Cuba
With the rising crime rates in Cuba, many questions arise about the current situation and its impact on everyday life. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide a clearer picture.
What led to the increase in crime rates in Cuba?
The rising crime rates in Cuba can be attributed to severe economic hardships, including shortages of basic necessities and rampant inflation, which have contributed to an unprecedented crime wave.
How are local authorities responding to the crime wave?
Local authorities are stepping up efforts to arrest and prosecute offenders, as seen in recent incidents where thieves were captured shortly after committing crimes.
Are there any community efforts to combat crime?
Yes, community members are increasingly involved in helping police identify and apprehend criminals, as demonstrated in the recent gas cylinder theft in Santiago de Cuba.