The official Cuban press acknowledged this Friday that thieves in the province of Cienfuegos are taking advantage of blackouts to rob homes with occupants inside. An article published by the official newspaper 5 de Septiembre includes testimonies from several victims who were sleeping during a blackout, often with doors open due to the intense heat, only to be robbed.
“I heard a noise and, half-asleep, opened my eyes. The cold street light was bothering me, and I saw a man standing there. I thought it was my husband’s nephew, who uses the computer. I went back to sleep. He took a laptop, a hard drive, and three cell phones. It must have been around one or two in the morning,” recounted a woman who discovered the theft the next day.
According to the report, at least nine other families have had similar experiences. Many of them recovered their belongings during a public return conducted recently by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) at Villuendas Park, the area where the robberies were concentrated.
First Lieutenant Darlin Borges Soriano, the lead investigator of the Regional Criminal Investigations Unit, stated that nine reports of forceful burglaries in inhabited homes while residents were asleep were being worked on. Currently, three suspects are in provisional detention awaiting trial. They exploited the nightly blackouts, when victims went to bed with open windows, and climbed to the second floor to commit the thefts, Borges Soriano explained.
“We have recovered a Panasonic flat-screen TV with its remote, a generator, a music system, a hard drive, a laptop, and several cell phones,” she detailed.
Blackouts in Cuba can last up to 12 hours a day amid the severe energy crisis on the island. During the summer months, the sweltering heat prevents families from resting without fans, leaving many with no choice but to open doors and windows despite the rising crime rate on the island.
Understanding the Impact of Blackouts on Crime in Cienfuegos
The following questions and answers delve deeper into the issue of increased burglaries during blackouts in Cienfuegos, providing more insights into the situation.
Why are blackouts leading to more burglaries in Cienfuegos?
Blackouts provide cover for thieves, making it easier for them to break into homes undetected. The intense heat also forces residents to leave doors and windows open, increasing vulnerability.
What measures are the authorities taking to address these burglaries?
The Ministry of the Interior is actively investigating the incidents and has already detained three suspects. They are also conducting public returns of stolen items to their rightful owners.
How can residents protect themselves during blackouts?
Residents can increase their security by reinforcing doors and windows, using battery-powered fans to keep cool without opening windows, and staying vigilant during blackouts.