An individual sustained a hand injury after shattering a storefront window during a robbery attempt at Hotel Sevilla located in Old Havana. Photographs shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook depict the alleged thief lying on the ground at the hotel’s entrance, receiving first aid from several men.
The images lack details regarding the date and time of the incident, which occurred at the exterior of the Sevilla, situated at the intersection of Prado and Trocadero streets. It remains unclear whether the suspect was handed over to local authorities.
This incident adds to a growing list of recent events highlighting the increasing insecurity in tourist areas, particularly in historic neighborhoods like Old Havana. This trend continues to raise concerns among both residents and those relying on tourism for their livelihood.
On April 22, a tourist was violently robbed in broad daylight on Aguiar Street, between Amargura and Teniente Rey. Earlier, in March, a man was apprehended by locals in the same municipality after snatching a cellphone from a 73-year-old Belgian tourist.
By the end of 2024, the Cuban regime acknowledged the rising crime rates in the country, contradicting previous claims of decreasing criminal activity, which the public had not perceived. Increasingly, Cubans are using surveillance footage to protect themselves, indicating that crime continues to rise, exacerbated by the police's inefficiency in curtailing these activities.
Recently, a thief armed with a hammer broke into a Vedado home while the owners were asleep. The attempted robbery was thwarted thanks to a witness alerting the authorities, allowing the perpetrator to escape before being apprehended.
According to the pro-government Facebook page "El Cubano Fiel," a man was caught days ago in Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, attempting to steal steel bars from the railway, endangering rail transport safety. Due to swift action by Mantilla residents, a sector police chief intercepted the offender just as he was dismantling part of the railway structure, hammer in hand, which could have jeopardized train safety and led to potentially fatal accidents and significant material damage.
The escalating insecurity in Cuba, amidst a deepening multisystem crisis, has sparked a wave of citizens' actions seeking justice, often beyond the reach of official channels.
Understanding the Crime Surge in Cuba
What incident occurred at Hotel Sevilla in Havana?
A man injured his hand while attempting to rob a store at Hotel Sevilla by breaking a window.
How is the Cuban government responding to rising crime rates?
The Cuban regime has acknowledged the increase in crime, despite previously claiming a decline in criminal activities.
What measures are citizens taking in response to crime in Cuba?
Citizens are increasingly using surveillance footage and taking actions into their own hands to seek justice and protect themselves.