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Caught on Camera: Man Steals Bicycle in Guantánamo, Claims It as a "HD Souvenir"

Thursday, July 3, 2025 by Aaron Delgado

Caught on Camera: Man Steals Bicycle in Guantánamo, Claims It as a "HD Souvenir"
Security camera captures a robbery in Guantánamo - Image of © Collage Facebook / Guantánamo y su Verdad

A man was captured by surveillance cameras while stealing a mountain bike from a state facility in Guantánamo. The video, taken in broad daylight, quickly led to his identification and subsequent arrest, according to the pro-government Facebook page "Guantánamo y su Verdad."

The incident took place in the parking lot of the Etecsa management office, located at Ahogados between 11 and 12 North, in the Caribe neighborhood. Footage reveals the individual calmly entering the premises and making off with the bicycle, seemingly unaware that he was being recorded.

With a sarcastic tone, the regime's spokesperson account referred to the man as “the brightest thief of the year,” noting that he gifted himself “a full photo session in high definition.” According to the same source, after his arrest, the man admitted to committing another similar theft in the southern part of the city.

The Reality of Crime and Security in Cuba

This incident highlights the pervasive insecurity in Cuba, as well as the shortcomings in the security measures of public institutions. “Who said technology doesn’t have a sense of humor?” the post mused, referencing how the cameras exposed the thief almost in real-time.

The deployment of surveillance cameras in Cuba has been instrumental in identifying a multitude of crimes carried out in broad daylight. In Havana, a thief was caught on camera as he stole in a busy street, oblivious to the fact that he was being watched.

Such audiovisual evidence has enabled authorities to respond more swiftly, though it has also underscored the prevalence of these crimes. Another camera-captured incident involved two individuals attempting to steal a water tank in a residential area, in what appeared to be a planned robbery executed without fear of being caught.

Urban Crime: A Normalized Menace?

Despite being recorded, the perpetrators displayed remarkable calmness, suggesting a worrying normalization of petty crime in urban settings. The boldness of criminals has even extended to private homes. In a recent scene, a house was ransacked in broad daylight while its occupants were away, exposing the vulnerabilities in domestic security.

Security cameras not only documented the thief's entry but also his exit with several stolen items. Public spaces have not been immune to this issue either. In a Havana café, a camera caught the moment a man snatched a mobile phone from a customer's bag.

Understanding Crime and Security in Cuba

How have surveillance cameras impacted crime detection in Cuba?

Surveillance cameras have been crucial in identifying criminal activities in Cuba, allowing authorities to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents.

What does the incident in Guantánamo reveal about public security in Cuba?

The incident underscores the insecurity prevalent in Cuba and highlights deficiencies in the security of public institutions.

Are crimes like petty theft becoming normalized in Cuban cities?

The calmness depicted by criminals in surveillance footage suggests a concerning normalization of petty crime in urban areas.

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