Authorities in Santa Clara have apprehended six individuals linked to a series of 19 forceful burglaries targeting both businesses and residences throughout the city, as reported by official media sources.
The majority of these burglaries occurred within the industrial zone of Santa Clara, according to Lieutenant Colonel Héctor de la Fe Freyre, head of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Santa Clara, who provided details to state radio station CMHW. Among the arrested are three individuals, two of whom are directly implicated in the burglaries, while the third is accused of receiving nearly all the stolen goods.
Recovery of Stolen Goods
Thus far, investigations have clarified 14 of the burglaries in state-owned entities, and authorities have managed to recover a range of stolen items including seven air conditioners, a split unit, four refrigeration machines, medications, speakers, lawn trimmers, sanders, and other goods. The primary suspects in these crimes are currently held in provisional detention, taking into account the nature of their offenses and their criminal records.
Security Lapses and Recommendations
Lieutenant Colonel de la Fe Freyre urged businesses to enhance their security measures, pointing out that despite having guards, the protection efforts were inadequate. He stressed the importance of safeguarding property to prevent further incidents.
Ongoing Investigations and Further Arrests
Separately, three more individuals have been detained for burglaries in Santa Clara homes. These suspects hail from Ciego de Ávila province and had been renting accommodations in Villa Clara's capital. Once they committed the thefts, they swiftly sold the stolen goods. Several items, including fans, audio equipment, refrigerators, clothing, kitchen appliances, a bicycle, and perfumes, have been recovered so far.
The trio is also in provisional custody pending trial, as confirmed by de la Fe Freyre. He noted that investigations remain active to identify additional victims and return the recovered possessions to their rightful owners.
Recent Arrest in Santiago de Cuba
In a related incident, a man was recently captured attempting to steal a turbine from a primary school in Nuevo Vista Alegre, Santiago de Cuba. Alert custodians discovered the man with the partially dismantled turbine hidden in a backpack, preventing the theft in progress.