Residents of Frank País municipality have raised concerns about a suspected nighttime thief taking advantage of power outages, in an environment further plagued by inadequate street lighting and calls for increased police surveillance.
Official journalist Loidel Gainza posted the warning on Facebook this Saturday, noting that the individual prowls central and residential areas, exploiting the lack of electrical service to carry out his attacks.
His message urged the community to exercise heightened caution when traveling at night, particularly advising women against venturing out alone during the early morning hours.
The post quickly resonated with locals, who connected the heightened danger to the absence of public lighting. Numerous comments highlighted that main streets, terminals, and public spaces remain shrouded in darkness, which, according to residents, creates ideal conditions for crime and amplifies feelings of vulnerability.
Many users demanded a stronger presence from the National Revolutionary Police in these highlighted areas and called for frequent patrols. "Where is the police?" some questioned, reminiscing about past surveillance practices and contrasting them with the current state of the municipality.
Testimonies of attempted assaults were also reported. One resident recounted that around two in the morning, an attempt was made to snatch a woman in front of his home. She managed to thwart the attack by shouting and alerting the community.
The incident prompted several residents to rush out of their homes, forcing the alleged attacker to flee.
Amid the discourse, Gainza addressed those accusing him of inciting panic, clarifying that the cautionary note stemmed from an incident involving someone close to him.
Meanwhile, some comments reflected a normalization of self-defense and a readiness to act independently in the perceived absence of state protection.
This situation unfolds within a broader context of escalating insecurity in Cuban cities and towns, where recent months have seen reports of thefts and muggings that have driven residents to intervene directly and detain suspects, underscoring a lack of confidence in the authorities' ability to ensure public safety.
Nighttime Safety Concerns in Frank País
What is causing the surge in nighttime crime in Frank País?
The increase in nighttime crime is attributed to power outages, lack of public lighting, and insufficient police presence, which create an environment conducive to criminal activity.
How are residents responding to the lack of security?
Residents are expressing frustration over the insufficient police presence and are resorting to self-defense measures, intervening directly in some instances to protect their community.
What actions are being recommended to ensure personal safety?
Community members are advised to remain vigilant when traveling at night, avoid solitary nighttime outings, especially for women, and to alert neighbors in case of emergencies.