Residents of Guanajay in Artemisa awoke to the grim confirmation of a disturbing trend that has become all too common across many neighborhoods in Cuba: nighttime thefts.
This incident was notably captured on video.
Security cameras recorded two men with their faces concealed as they quietly entered the backyard of a home, opened the coops, and made off with several roosters in the dead of night.
The homeowner, Leticia Vidal, reported the theft on the Facebook group "Revolico Guanajay."
According to her account, the theft took place early last Wednesday morning and was not an isolated event. It appears that other homes in the neighborhood were also targeted by thieves that same night.
Leticia shared four videos where it is evident how the individuals move calmly, inspect the coops, and carry away the roosters without interruption.
In her post, she expressed her outrage and exhaustion with a reality that increasingly impacts hardworking and honest people.
"It's shameful what's happening among the Cuban people, stealing from each other. It really makes you think. I know it's always been this way, but folks, with the same courage they have to enter a yard and steal chickens, they should have the courage for other things," she stated.
Leticia mentioned that she plans to enhance the security of her home with more technology, a measure not everyone can afford.
She also urged her neighbors to protect the little they have, as in Cuba today, anything, no matter how small, can become a target.
The theft of roosters is far from a trivial "minor incident."
In a country where many families raise animals to supplement their diet or sell them to make ends meet, losing four roosters can mean being left without food or a basic income. It is a direct blow to those who strive daily to get by amidst shortages.
Comments on the post highlighted that the issue extends beyond this particular case.
A bank employee lamented that "with all the hard work it takes to get anything," people must now live with alarms and lights as if their homes were fortresses.
Another commenter noted that while some people sacrifice, others wait for nightfall to thrive on theft.
There were also criticisms of the lack of real consequences for criminals, who enter private homes "prepared for anything" and leave with the feeling that nothing serious will happen to them.
These types of crimes occur repeatedly due to the absence of an effective response from the State or the Police.
The lack of police presence, impunity, and the economic collapse have created an ideal environment for theft to become normalized. Rather than ensuring security, authorities seem absent, leaving citizens alone to defend themselves as best they can.
For honest people who work hard to survive, this situation is devastating. They must not only contend with meager wages and exorbitant prices but also with the constant fear that someone might break in at night and take what little they have achieved through sacrifice.
In Guanajay, as in many other towns across Cuba, peaceful sleep is a thing of the past: people now survive with one eye open.
Impact of Theft on Cuban Households
How common are nighttime thefts in Cuban neighborhoods?
Nighttime thefts have become a frequent occurrence in many Cuban neighborhoods, reflecting the broader economic and social challenges faced by the country.
What measures are residents taking to prevent theft?
Residents are increasingly turning to enhanced security measures, such as installing alarms and cameras, though not everyone can afford these solutions.
Why is rooster theft significant in Cuba?
Rooster theft is particularly impactful in Cuba since many families rely on raising animals to supplement their food supply or income.