Once again, comedian Limay Blanco has raised his voice to denounce the surge in theft and crime in Cuba, this time highlighting the theft of a mobile phone that his friend experienced. "A friend of mine had his phone stolen on the bus. They cut his backpack with a knife; he lost all his photos, contacts, and cherished videos," Blanco shared on his social media, posting an image of the cut made on the victim's backpack.
The crime wave plaguing the capital has public transportation users as one of its primary victims. Reports of increased cell phone thefts on buses are frequent on Cuban social media. Thieves take advantage of the crowded conditions on urban buses and the frustration of passengers who have been waiting for hours to devise ways to rob them of their belongings while they travel.
"Be careful, wear your backpacks in front of you on the buses. And to you, brother thief, make amends with God," wrote the comedian, who converted to Christianity in 2019 and since then has led the ministry "Christ Saves Lives," helping hundreds of people across the country.
Addressing the thief and all those inclined to steal, Blanco reminded them that "one day we will all answer for our actions," and that there is "a place of torment called hell" where evildoers will end up. "You still have time to repent because, believe me, your time will come. Today, my words might make you laugh, but be careful they don't bring you sadness tomorrow in a place where we will be judged for our actions," he concluded solemnly.
With a significant presence on social media, Limay Blanco himself has repeatedly issued alerts and denouncements about such incidents. In mid-January, he broadcast live a suspicious encounter he had in the early morning while driving to Alamar in Havana's East municipality with his wife.
The comedian was driving peacefully, listening to music, when he saw a man lying at the roadside, raising his hand as if signaling for help. "You all saw it, he's lying there with a bag beside him," Limay said while heeding his wife's plea not to stop the vehicle. "God forgive me if I did wrong, but I was afraid to stop. On the way to Alamar around 1 AM, while streaming live, this man was at the roadside. We notified the police, but I didn't stop because you all know how things are, and I was scared," Limay wrote in a subsequent post.
After being robbed for the third time at his home in mid-July 2023, Limay identified the thief, a neighbor from his neighborhood whom he forgave and helped financially, guided by his faith in God and human redemption.
The rise in cell phone thefts in Cuba led the comedian to propose what he considered a solution to this crime on his social media. "For the crime of robbery with force, intimidation of persons, and threats in snatching a cell phone... 30 years of imprisonment. When you make that video, believe me, no one else will snatch a cell phone," he said.
In September 2022, Cuban announcer Marta Yabor Ballbé fell victim to a mobile phone theft on a bus, with the same modus operandi used by the thief who robbed Limay's friend.
Addressing the Surge in Cell Phone Thefts in Cuba
Given the escalating thefts, many are seeking answers and advice on how to avoid becoming victims. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding this pressing issue.
What measures can be taken to prevent cell phone thefts on public transportation in Cuba?
Passengers should keep their backpacks and bags in front of them, stay vigilant, and avoid using their phones openly in crowded places. Reporting suspicious activities to authorities can also help prevent thefts.
How has Limay Blanco contributed to raising awareness about crime in Cuba?
Limay Blanco has used his social media platforms to highlight incidents of theft and crime, sharing personal experiences and offering advice to his followers. His vocal stance has helped draw attention to the issue.
What legal measures does Limay Blanco suggest to deter cell phone thefts?
Blanco suggests implementing harsher penalties for robbery with force, intimidation, and threats, such as 30 years of imprisonment, to deter potential thieves.