A Cuban national was apprehended on the night of Sunday, December 22, following a knife-point robbery near the entrance of the Línea tunnel in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución municipality. According to the official profile linked to the Ministry of the Interior, El Cubano Fiel, the suspect targeted his victim as they were walking in the area. He approached, threatened them with a knife, and stole a bag containing two cell phones.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident took place around 10 p.m., according to the source, which often attempts to polish the controversial work of the Cuban police. After committing the robbery, the man's escape was short-lived as he was quickly intercepted by a nearby police patrol. The stolen bag with the phones was retrieved and returned to the victim.
This incident highlights the growing concerns over safety in Cuba, as the country has seen a surge in similar crimes in recent months. For instance, in November 2024, three individuals were arrested for stealing essential goods from a store in Havana, underscoring the state's reliance on citizen cooperation to combat rising crime rates.
Additionally, in Santiago de Cuba, residents took matters into their own hands by detaining and tying up a thief who attempted to rob an elderly person, illustrating a trend where the public feels compelled to take direct action against criminal activities.
Rising Crime Concerns in Cuba
What happened during the robbery near the Línea tunnel?
The suspect targeted a victim walking near the Línea tunnel, threatened them with a knife, and stole a bag containing two cell phones before being quickly caught by the police.
How have recent crime trends affected public safety in Cuba?
Recent crime trends in Cuba have raised significant safety concerns, with increased reports of thefts and incidents leading people to take matters into their own hands to protect their communities.
How did the community respond to crime in Santiago de Cuba?
In Santiago de Cuba, locals detained and restrained a thief attempting to rob an elderly person, reflecting a community-driven approach to combatting crime.