An elderly, disabled Cuban woman has recovered her cellphone, which was stolen from her home in Central Havana, following a police investigation, according to an official report.
The theft occurred on Lagunas Street between Galiano and San Nicolás, using "the old glass of water trick," according to a post on the Facebook profile of a user identified as Javier Gutiérrez, who often praises the actions of the Cuban police against crime, similar to other pro-regime social media pages.
According to the information, an individual approached the elderly woman's home—whose name was not disclosed—asked for water, and when she went to get it, the thief took the opportunity to steal her mobile phone.
The victim, who suffers from a physical disability and is pictured in a wheelchair in the post, reported the theft to the police unit at Zanja and Lealtad in Havana. After a "lengthy investigation," the authorities recovered the cellphone from a person who had purchased it.
However, the police have yet to locate the individual who stole the device, and the investigation is ongoing.
In the midst of a complex social context, marked by the severe economic crisis plaguing Cuba, assaults, thefts, and violent crimes are daily news in the country, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the law enforcement to address them.
The surge in crime, violence, and insecurity on Cuban streets keeps the population on edge, questioning the police's work and often feeling compelled to take matters into their own hands to capture thieves and criminals.
Recently, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the increase in violence, criminality, and drug-related offenses in the country.
Understanding Crime and Policing in Cuba
Given the rising crime rates and the challenges faced by law enforcement in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context.
What was the method of theft used in this incident?
The theft was carried out using "the old glass of water trick," where the thief asked for water and stole the phone when the victim went to fetch it.
Has the police found the person who stole the phone?
No, the police have recovered the phone but have not yet located the individual who originally stole it.
What is the current state of crime in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a rise in crime, including thefts, violent crimes, and drug-related offenses, exacerbated by the country's severe economic crisis.
What has the Cuban government said about the increase in crime?
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged the increase in violence, criminality, and drug-related crimes in the country.