On Saturday, the Cuban regime publicized on social media the capture of an alleged thief in Guantánamo amid a surge of store robberies across the island. This wave of thefts underscores the growing insecurity and desperation among the population due to the scarcity of essential food items. The pro-government Facebook page "Guantánamo y su Verdad" reported that the arrest took place in the early morning hours during a heavy downpour. Authorities surprised a man inside a store located at Luz Caballero and Crombet.
The report stated that the individual was found with several packs of cigarettes and tools like a saw, which were intended to break doors and locks. The post, featuring images of the apprehended man and the confiscated goods, was portrayed as a "victory" highlighting the collaboration between the community and authorities, with messages praising "citizen cooperation" as a shield against crime.
The Bigger Picture of Store Robberies
However, this incident comes only weeks after another theft involving 14 sacks of rice from a different Guantánamo store. This previous event exposed the scale of such crimes and the involvement of clandestine buyers. Although part of the stolen goods was recovered, residents affirmed that the broken main door revealed the lack of security at these establishments.
Interior Commerce Minister Betsy Díaz Velázquez recently acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that over 163 store robberies have been reported so far in 2025, surpassing last year's figures. She also admitted that a worker lost their life attempting to protect their workplace during an assault.
Regions Most Affected by Rising Crime
Provinces like Holguín, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Mayabeque are among the hardest hit by this crime wave, leaving thousands of families even more uncertain about accessing the limited items in the basic food basket.
Propaganda vs. Reality
While the official machinery strives to showcase isolated cases as examples of "police efficiency" or "popular vigilance," in reality, stores remain some of the country's most vulnerable targets. Many of these locations lack security personnel, workers earn meager wages, and the absence of supplies turns any stored product into a coveted prize.
On social media, the regime's propaganda campaigns, such as "Guardians for My Store," are seen more as mechanisms of social control than genuine solutions. Residents complain that the burden of vigilance is being shifted to store managers and locals, while the state avoids its responsibility to ensure minimum security conditions.
The insecurity facing Cuban stores today starkly reflects the collapse of the state distribution system, where hunger and necessity intertwine with repression and official propaganda.
Understanding the Surge in Cuban Store Robberies
What has contributed to the rise in store robberies in Cuba?
The increase in robberies is largely due to the growing desperation among the population as a result of the scarcity of essential food items, compounded by inadequate security measures at stores.
How has the Cuban government responded to these thefts?
The government has attempted to portray isolated arrests as successes of police efficiency and community collaboration, though critics argue this does little to address the underlying issues of security and distribution.