Yadira Paz González has reported a harrowing incident that took place in the hallway of her own home in the Mariana de la Torre neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba. On Friday, she fell victim to a brazen theft when a 14-karat gold necklace was forcibly taken from her.
According to Paz González's account, shared with independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, the assailant yanked the necklace from her neck with such intensity that it left visible red marks on her neck and back, as shown in photographs.
The victim also mentioned that the perpetrator had a knife in hand as he fled the scene.
Refusing to be immobilized by fear, Yadira pursued the thief and, with the assistance of another individual, managed to catch him and retrieve the broken necklace after a struggle.
Criminal Acts Breach Personal Spaces
Footage from a nearby security camera captures someone sprinting, yet it does not conclusively identify the person or verify the full narrative.
What sets this incident apart from typical street robberies is its setting. It didn't happen on a public street or in an isolated area but within the victim's private home. "It's no longer just about the fear of walking down a dark or deserted street. Someone is now reporting that insecurity has literally reached their doorstep," Mayeta Labrada commented upon publicizing the complaint.
Rising Crime Rates Raise Alarm
This event occurs amid a persistent rise in criminal activities in the eastern city. Just three days prior, residents of the Trocha and Gasómetro areas warned of recurring nighttime robberies in Santiago de Cuba. In mid-August, a night of chaos unfolded in Vista Hermosa with thefts and police chases.
In June, residents of the Sueño neighborhood detained a 15-year-old who had snatched two necklaces and brazenly declared, "I'm a minor, nothing will happen to me."
The perceived lack of police action exacerbates the situation. In April, a family in Santiago de Cuba waited over ten hours without a response after a burglary in their apartment, prompting locals to frequently resort to vigilante justice.
Statistics support the public's sentiments. The Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) recorded 2,833 verified crimes in Cuba during 2025, marking a 115% increase from 2024, with theft being the most common crime at 1,536 cases. Santiago de Cuba was the fourth most affected province, with 323 verified crimes that year.
The Ministry of the Interior itself acknowledged a 25% rise in property crimes in February 2026, attributing it to the "complex economic situation," a statement that sidesteps the regime's responsibility for the degradation of public order.
"How far must violence escalate before someone can feel safe even within their own home?" Mayeta Labrada questioned as he concluded his report on Yadira Paz González's ordeal.
Understanding the Crime Wave in Santiago de Cuba
What distinguishes this case from typical street robberies?
This incident is notable because it took place inside the victim's home, rather than in a public or isolated area, highlighting a breach of personal space.
How has the crime rate in Santiago de Cuba changed recently?
There has been a significant increase in crime rates, with a 115% rise in verified crimes in 2025 compared to 2024, making Santiago de Cuba one of the most affected provinces.
What is the public's perception of police response to these crimes?
The public perceives a lack of prompt police action, as evidenced by instances where victims have waited hours for police response, leading to increased reliance on vigilante justice.