A group of Cubans successfully captured a thief who stole a chain from a foreign tourist in Old Havana on Saturday afternoon. According to a Facebook post linked to the Ministry of the Interior, the incident occurred at about 3 p.m. when several individuals witnessed the theft of a chain from a British tourist in the historical center of Cuba's capital.
"A group of young people in Old Havana witnessed the scene and cornered the individual," stated the account known as Ransel Londres, adding that they "immediately alerted law enforcement." Images shared in the post display both the thief's capture and his arrest by the police. The victim, along with a tourist who accompanied him, received assistance at the scene, the report noted.
One photograph reveals the British tourist with his shirt torn, likely as a result of the confrontation during the theft. The police managed to recover and return the stolen item. The post praised the collaborative effort between citizens and police to apprehend the perpetrator, describing it as a "success" and a "guarantee of public order and citizen safety."
Such publications aim to highlight the fight against crime and restore public confidence amidst a rising wave of violence and insecurity in Cuba over recent years. Tourists have increasingly become targets for theft and robbery. In December, a Swedish national reported a stolen backpack containing valuable personal items at the beach outside the Laguna Azul Hotel in Varadero, Matanzas.
In September, a Canadian tourist had her luggage stolen during her stay at the Marea del Portillo Hotel in the province of Granma. Despite reporting the crime to hotel management and the police, no resolution had been reached at the time of the report. In November, another tourist was mugged on the street by a young man who grabbed her phone in the Los Olmos district of Santiago de Cuba.
Additionally, in a neighborhood of the same eastern city, a foreigner was stabbed by criminals attempting to steal his scooter last April. Merely days later, an Italian visitor was the victim of an armed robbery by three Cubans while traveling through the province of Sancti Spíritus in a rented car.
Understanding Tourist Safety in Cuba
What actions are being taken to improve safety for tourists in Cuba?
Efforts include increased collaboration between citizens and police to quickly respond to incidents, as well as publicizing successful interventions to restore public confidence.
Why have tourists in Cuba become frequent targets for crime?
The rising wave of violence and insecurity in Cuba has made tourists, often perceived as carrying valuable items, frequent targets for theft and robbery.
How can tourists protect themselves while visiting Cuba?
Tourists are advised to remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuable items, stay in well-populated areas, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities promptly.