A man was caught on surveillance cameras stealing a cell phone in a Havana café, a scene that has unfortunately become all too common in the daily life of Cuba's capital.
The footage, shared on Facebook by user Mayito Pérez, depicts the individual entering the establishment with apparent ease, money in hand, as if he were just another customer.
At that moment, the café was empty: no staff behind the counter, only wooden tables and the hum of a running fan.
The man scans the room, peering around and calculating his move. After several moments of hesitation, his eyes lock onto a phone charging behind the counter. Ensuring no one is watching, he swiftly vaults over the counter, disconnects the phone, and makes a quick escape.
The person who reported the theft posted videos from multiple angles and is offering a reward of 10,000 pesos for information leading to the thief's identification. "Feel free to contact me 24/7," Pérez wrote, clearly outraged.
The post was also shared in the Facebook group Tienda Carlos III, suggesting that the café might be located in that area or that Pérez aims to broaden the reach of his appeal among local residents.
In recent months, social media has emerged as the primary platform for reporting the rising tide of thefts and assaults in Havana, amid an economic crisis and a growing distrust of law enforcement responses.
Recent reports of home burglaries, knife-point robberies, and thefts of electric motorcycles illustrate a troubling trend: people are turning to the internet before authorities, driven by frustration and fear.
Comments surrounding the video reflect a mix of anger, helplessness, and fatigue felt by many Habaneros. "This happens every day and no one does anything," one user commented. "Even small businesses are defenseless," replied another.
The café theft is yet another snapshot of the social decay permeating Cuban streets: the struggle to survive has made crime a visible symptom of a deeper crisis, where security, trust, and hope seem to be endangered species.
Understanding the Wave of Theft in Havana
What prompted the recent increase in thefts in Havana?
The rise in thefts in Havana is largely attributed to the ongoing economic crisis, which has exacerbated social issues and led to increased desperation among the population.
Why are residents turning to social media to report crimes?
Many residents have lost trust in the effectiveness of law enforcement, prompting them to use social media as an alternative platform to seek justice and raise awareness.
What measures are being taken to address the crime wave in Havana?
Efforts to combat the crime wave in Havana include community awareness campaigns and calls for increased police presence, although these measures have yet to yield significant results.