A resident from Guantánamo took to Facebook on Monday to report a bizarre and frustrating incident. In the group "REVOLICO GUANTANAMO Y SUS MUNICIPIOS," she shared how thieves tried to steal her in-laws' solar panel in the early hours, yet the police failed to respond despite being called.
Karla Aguirre Toirac described the incident occurring at 3:05 AM in the Caribbean area, on the fourth floor of a building. During their theft attempt, the culprits dropped the solar panel, shattering its protective glass into numerous cracks that rendered it completely useless.
Adding insult to injury, the vandals defecated on the panel before making their escape. "Besides that, they defecated on the panel, those bastards," Karla reported with visible frustration.
"We called the police, and they haven't shown up at all—not even to take a fingerprint or analyze the poop," she wrote, expressing her clear indignation.
Police Inaction Raises Concerns
The complaint underscores the double standards of the National Revolutionary Police: lack of action on thefts but quick response to any protests. "But if there's a revolt or a fuss, you'll see how fast they go," the author noted, describing the officers as preferring to stay in their stations while vandalism persists unchecked.
"That's why vandalism continues on the streets because criminals know the police do absolutely nothing," she added.
Rising Theft of Solar Panels in Cuba
This incident is far from isolated. On July 2, Yanet Pérez reported a burglary at her home in Guanabacoa on Facebook, highlighting the complete inaction of the police, who didn't even provide a crime report number.
On June 26, a property owner in Guantánamo publicly threatened thieves caught on camera, declaring, "Since the police do nothing, I will."
The theft of solar panels has become rampant in Cuba during 2025 and 2026, driven by the energy crisis that makes these devices highly valuable in the black market.
Last June, eight young individuals were detained in Guantánamo for stealing solar lamps from public lighting, recovering over twenty devices linked to at least ten criminal acts.
In Santiago de Cuba, Etecsa's node panels were stolen twice between May and June, affecting 560 users. The institutional crisis of the PNR exacerbates the situation: it's estimated that 20% of its personnel have left the force, leaving entire communities without effective protection. Crime in Cuba soared by 115% in 2025, according to reported data.
Karla concluded her post with a plea that captures the frustration of thousands: "This isn't the first or the last post people make—there are thousands of things happening in Cuba that they are turning a blind eye to. How long, my God? The people can't take it anymore."
FAQs on Solar Panel Theft in Cuba
Why is solar panel theft increasing in Cuba?
The rise in solar panel theft in Cuba is primarily driven by the ongoing energy crisis, which has made these panels extremely valuable on the black market.
What actions are being taken against these thefts?
While some arrests have been made, such as the detention of eight individuals in Guantánamo, the police response is generally criticized for being slow or ineffective, with many cases going unresolved.
How does the police's inaction affect Cuban citizens?
The police's inaction contributes to a growing sense of insecurity and frustration among citizens, as they feel unprotected and helpless in the face of rising criminal activity.