On Monday night, a watch store located on Obispo Street in the heart of Old Havana, one of Cuba's major tourist and commercial hubs, fell victim to an act of vandalism. According to reports by CubaNet, which were confirmed by the store's employees, vandals shattered one of the store's windows and made off with two wallets that were on display. Employees suspect this was a deliberate act meant to cause harm, as other items in the store were left untouched.
By Tuesday morning, officers from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) had arrived at the scene, only to leave shortly thereafter, as noted by independent media sources. This incident unfolds amid a backdrop of increasing public insecurity in Cuba. In the first half of 2024 alone, the Cuba Siglo 21 observatory recorded 432 violent crimes, including 260 robberies and 91 homicides. The organization also reported a rise in crime by over 50% compared to 2023, with Havana identified as one of the most affected provinces.
Obispo Street, a vital artery in Old Havana, has previously witnessed assaults on tourists and other acts of vandalism. A widely shared video on social media captured the extensive damage to the store's display window, drawing significant attention.
This episode joins a series of similar incidents occurring in recent weeks. On August 5th, a Metropolitan Bank ATM in Santos Suárez was pelted with stones during a widespread blackout. A month earlier, another ATM in Diez de Octubre was attacked, prompting the bank to acknowledge the growing frustration among the population due to cash shortages and the declining state of the banking system.
In response to such events, Cuba's Supreme Court ruled in May that crimes affecting strategic infrastructure would be prosecuted as sabotage, carrying harsher penalties and swift judicial processes. While this particular case has not yet been officially classified, the ongoing social tension and recurrence of similar incidents continue to fuel public concern.
Meanwhile, the regime remains silent as citizens grapple with a growing sense of insecurity amid the island's economic and social crisis.
Crime and Security in Cuba: Frequently Asked Questions
What actions did the police take after the vandalism incident on Obispo Street?
Police officers from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) arrived at the scene on Tuesday morning but departed shortly thereafter, according to reports by independent media.
How has crime in Cuba changed over recent years?
In the first half of 2024, the Cuba Siglo 21 observatory recorded a 50% increase in crime compared to 2023, with 432 violent crimes documented, including 260 robberies and 91 homicides.
How has the Cuban government responded to rising crime rates?
The Cuban Supreme Court has declared that crimes impacting strategic infrastructure will be treated as sabotage, with more severe penalties and expedited judicial processes. However, there has been little public response from the regime regarding these issues.