A Cuban man named Junior took matters into his own hands by apprehending a pickpocket on the street, holding him until law enforcement arrived. This incident, captured on video, highlights the growing trend of citizens confronting criminals themselves due to the perceived ineffectiveness of the police force.
The video was shared on Facebook by Ezequiel Puldon, titled "Youth, divine treasure... We are lost," ironically referencing the famous poem by Rubén Darío in light of the young age of the apprehended thief.
The video, which runs for one minute and five seconds, features a woman's narration describing how three thieves ran past them and snatched a phone from the young man.
"Man, brother, don't get involved in that," another witness admonishes the thief.
"It saddens me to see these things. It's a real shame, really. So young, damn," the woman laments, voicing the sorrow felt by many Cubans.
Citizen Action in the Face of Police Inaction
This incident is not an isolated case. With the police either absent or ineffective, Cubans increasingly take it upon themselves to confront lawbreakers.
In September 2025, residents in Santiago de Cuba chased down and captured a suspected chain-snatcher. Similarly, in August of the same year, people in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood subdued and tied up a suspected knife-wielding criminal.
The police force has faced widespread criticism for its inaction against common crime. It's estimated that 20% of its members have left in the past year, leaving entire areas without adequate security coverage.
Police Priorities and Public Frustration
On April 4, a family in Santiago de Cuba waited over 10 hours for a police response following a robbery, with the excuse given being a "shift change."
Meanwhile, the police are quick to deploy numerous patrols to suppress political dissent. "There's always fuel for repression," the public sarcastically notes.
The data supports this public perception.
According to the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC), there were 2,833 verified crimes on the island in 2025, marking a 115% increase from 2024 and a staggering 337% rise since 2023. The average daily crime rate was seven to eight incidents, with thefts leading the statistics at 1,536 cases in 2025, a 479% surge since 2023.
These figures starkly contradict statements made by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz in July 2025, who claimed a "downward trend" in crime.
The Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Crime
Cuba's economy, which shrank by 5% in 2025 and has decreased by 15% since 2020, exacerbates poverty and fuels criminal activity. This is a direct result of 67 years of communist dictatorship that has ravaged the country's productive and social fabric.
While the regime downplays the statistics and the police boast about solving isolated cases on social media, it's the citizens who bear the risk of confronting criminals on the streets, armed with nothing but their determination.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Cuba
What led to the increase in crime rates in Cuba?
The rise in crime rates in Cuba is largely attributed to the economic decline, which has intensified poverty and desperation, alongside the inefficiency of the police force in addressing common crimes.
How have the Cuban citizens responded to the crime wave?
In response to rising crime and police inaction, Cuban citizens have increasingly taken matters into their own hands, confronting and detaining criminals themselves.
What criticisms has the Cuban police force faced?
The Cuban police force has been criticized for its lack of action against common crime, with significant numbers of officers leaving the force, leading to inadequate security coverage across the country.