A suspected thief was caught on security cameras as he attempted to steal a car right on San Juan de Dios Street, number 64, in the heart of Old Havana. The incident was brought to light on social media by user Héctor Delgado Perdomo, who shared a video of the attempted theft and urged the public to circulate the criminal's image.
“Share the reel I just uploaded of a guy stealing in Old Havana. Exactly on San Juan de Dios #64. It was just sent to me from Havana. Let everyone see the face of this criminal,” Delgado wrote in his post, which included images of the moment the man tried to break into the parked vehicle.
The video captures the individual stealthily manipulating the car's windshield wipers until he manages to execute the theft. It seems the suspect was unaware of the camera facing him, resulting in clear footage of his face.
Recent Surge in Captured Crimes
In recent months, numerous cases have emerged where criminals were recorded by surveillance cameras or by citizens who managed to capture the act of theft. These videos have become a crucial tool for publicly exposing offenders and demanding justice, particularly given the slow or ineffective response from authorities.
In Santiago de Cuba, a homemade video documented a person climbing through a house window while the homeowners were asleep. The footage, captured by a home surveillance system, enabled residents to file a complaint, although authorities had not yet apprehended the suspect days later.
Community Action Through Social Media
In the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, a young man was filmed attempting to steal an electric scooter tied to a fence. The video went viral swiftly, and thanks to this exposure, neighbors were able to identify the individual, who allegedly had committed previous thefts in the area.
In every one of these situations, sharing the videos on social media has served as a form of pressure. Many users criticize the police for their lack of immediate response, while others claim that only public exposure compels any action from the authorities.
The Role of Home Surveillance
The use of home cameras and the dissemination of visual material on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram have become the primary means of reporting crimes in a country where institutional channels for citizen assistance often prove ineffective or inaccessible.
FAQs about Crime and Surveillance in Cuba
How effective are home surveillance systems in Cuba?
Home surveillance systems have become increasingly effective as they allow residents to record criminal activities and provide evidence to authorities, even though the response from law enforcement can be delayed.
Why is there a reliance on social media for reporting crimes in Cuba?
Social media serves as a vital tool for reporting crimes due to the often ineffective or inaccessible institutional channels for citizen support in Cuba. Public exposure via platforms like Facebook and Instagram can prompt authorities to take action.