A young Cuban took to social media to express his frustration after his grandmother's portable power station was stolen, criticizing the delayed response of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR). According to him, it took three days for the police to arrive, and they failed to conduct any investigation into the theft.
Leonardo Sánchez, known on Instagram as @leonardosanshez, shared that he was at university when he received a call that compelled him to rush back home.
"Leo, your grandmother's house was robbed," was the alarming news he received.
Upon arrival, he found that the main door hadn't been forced open. Instead, the thieves had cut through two slats of an aluminum shutter to remove the portable power station—a highly sought-after item in Cuba due to frequent power outages.
“They cut two slats from the shutter, which is made of aluminum, and took my grandmother's power station that way,” he explained in a video uploaded to Instagram.
Police Priorities Questioned
After reporting the theft, the family anticipated a swift police response. However, Leonardo claims the officers told them they were unable to respond immediately as they had "other similar cases" to deal with.
The police eventually showed up three days later, but did not conduct a thorough investigation. "They arrived only to interrogate and then left. It was that simple. We have received no further information," he lamented.
Leonardo explained his delay in sharing the video was due to focusing on his grandmother, who is hypertensive and was deeply affected emotionally by the incident.
Beyond his family's experience, Leonardo criticized the priorities of the authorities. "If I had created content about the state of this country... perhaps they would have been at my door first thing in the morning," he commented.
He noted the stark contrast between the rapid response to political matters and the slow reaction to common crimes. "Everything they pursue here is related to politics, communism, and anything anti-revolutionary," he stated.
Widespread Frustration
The post garnered a range of responses from other Cubans who reported similar experiences. The most-liked comment captured the general sentiment: "The police are busy detaining people protesting against the government."
Another user wryly suggested, "Next time, say they wrote 'Down with communism' at your house, and they'll come right away."
A third user claimed they hadn't even seen the police show up after their own robbery: “At least they came. They cleaned out my fridge a month ago, and I'm still waiting for the police.”
Crime Surge and Police Inaction
This incident is part of an unprecedented crime wave in Cuba, where thefts topped crime statistics in 2025 with 1,536 reported cases, a 479% rise since 2023. The first half of 2026 saw at least 685 violent incidents and 175 fatalities.
Elderly individuals have become prime targets for thieves. In April 2026, an 87-year-old man in Matanzas was robbed of his only solar energy equipment while sleeping. In June, an 88-year-old woman was found injured after a robbery in Havana, and another 83-year-old was attacked during a blackout in Camagüey.
The police's consistent lack of action is a recurring theme. On July 1, a woman in Guanabacoa reported that the police did nothing despite the theft being committed with an identified state vehicle. In Santiago de Cuba, a family waited over 10 hours with no police response. A significant 20% of PNR officers have left the force due to low wages, leaving large areas without adequate coverage.
In closing his video, Leonardo offered advice to those who own such equipment, believing prevention is the best strategy.
“Preventing these things is better because no one will solve your problems. If you have a power station far from where you sleep, which is the most vulnerable time, take it into your room,” he suggested.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Cuba
What led to the surge in thefts in Cuba?
The increase in thefts is attributed to economic hardships and frequent power outages, making items like portable power stations highly desirable.
Why are elderly people frequently targeted by thieves in Cuba?
Elderly individuals are often seen as vulnerable targets who may not be able to defend themselves, making them easier targets for criminals.
How has the police response been characterized in these theft cases?
The police response has been criticized as slow and ineffective, with many cases going uninvestigated, contributing to public frustration.
What measures can individuals take to protect their belongings?
Individuals are advised to keep valuable items, such as power stations, in secure locations, especially during vulnerable times, like when they are asleep.