The community of Reparto La Mosca in Cuba's Camagüey province is experiencing heightened anxiety due to a surge in thefts and robberies that have become more frequent in recent weeks. Journalist José Luis Tan Estrada highlighted on Facebook that residents have reported hooded individuals prowling around at dawn, targeting pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists, as well as breaking into homes and public areas.
"Just two days ago, we heard a scream in the street, and when we looked out, it was a woman who had been assaulted by a masked person. It was 6 in the morning," a local source told the reporter. Despite widespread fear, the authorities' response has been limited, leaving the community feeling vulnerable.
Tan Estrada noted that the head of the local sector of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) and other officials have merely advised residents to take extra precautions and to prevent children from playing alone in the streets with bicycles or items that might attract criminals. They have also encouraged reinforcing home security measures.
However, these warnings have not been matched by concrete actions or increased security presence, leading to frustration among locals who feel that the authorities are not addressing the issue with the necessary urgency. "The neighborhood is completely unprotected. People here are even afraid to go to work early," another resident expressed.
Meanwhile, the thefts persist, and the sense of insecurity deepens, with no clear signs of effective intervention from public order institutions.
Thieves Caught in the Act on Cuban Bus Attempting Luggage Theft
Three thieves were caught on Friday attempting an unusual heist on a chartered bus traveling from Havana to Camagüey. While two of the thieves posed as passengers, the third hid inside a suitcase in the vehicle’s compartment, ready to loot the luggage.
The driver’s quick thinking, noticing suspicious behavior and stopping the bus to check the luggage area, led to the discovery of the audacious scheme. When asked to open their belongings, the two onboard thieves claimed they were carrying "a move," but inspection revealed that their bags contained only cardboard and trash, meant to disguise the stolen goods.
Inside one of the suitcases was the hidden accomplice, who planned to discreetly steal passengers' valuables and transfer them to his associates' empty bags. However, their plan was thwarted before the theft could be carried out.
Addressing Crime and Safety Concerns in Camagüey
What measures are authorities taking to address the crime wave in Camagüey?
Authorities have advised residents to take extra precautions and secure their homes, but there has been no significant increase in security presence or concrete actions to address the issue.
How did the bus driver prevent the luggage theft on the way to Camagüey?
The bus driver noticed suspicious behavior and stopped the vehicle to inspect the luggage compartment, uncovering the thieves' plan and preventing the theft.