In the early hours of Saturday, four masked individuals carried out an armed robbery at a residence operating as a small business on Rita Street, near Piedra, in the Juanelo neighborhood of San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. This incident was reported by journalist and activist Camila Acosta on her Facebook page, based on the testimony of an eyewitness.
The assailants arrived in a light-colored Santa Fe vehicle with no license plates.
Once inside the property, they opened fire, awakening nearby residents with the gunshots, and sprayed the homeowner's eyes, temporarily blinding her, as detailed by Acosta.
"A light-colored Santa Fe vehicle with about four masked individuals entered a house on Rita Street, near Piedra. They fired shots inside the house, waking the neighbors. They used spray to leave the homeowner partially blind. The vehicle had no license plates," the eyewitness described.
At the time, the house was occupied by the owners and several employees of the small business, who successfully fended off the attack.
"They only made it to the living room because the workers defended themselves," the same source noted.
Four bullet holes were found at the scene, and one worker sustained an arm injury, though his condition is reported as stable, Acosta added.
"No one controls crime in Cuba," concluded the eyewitness who recounted Saturday's assault in San Miguel del Padrón.
Following the incident, a police operation was launched at the site, with images circulating on social media.
This robbery is not an isolated event. In early September, a violent theft was reported at the Escambray Warehouse small business in Siete Matas, Pinar del Río, resulting in seven arrests.
Since their legalization in Cuba in 2021, small businesses have been frequent targets for criminals due to their cash, merchandise, and equipment.
The attack comes amid a steady rise in criminal violence on the island. According to the Cuban Observatory of Civic Audit (OCAC), during the first half of 2026, murders in Cuba rose by 43% compared to the same period in 2025, increasing from 63 to 90 cases. Additionally, the fatality rate of crimes nearly doubled from 5.23 to 10.35 deaths per 100 crimes.
Meanwhile, Cubalex recorded 52 homicides in August 2026, marking a monthly record since the organization began its monitoring in 2024, following 37 homicides in July.
This decline in public safety coincides with a severe economic and energy crisis, exacerbated by prolonged power outages that heighten citizens' vulnerability. Cuban authorities have not provided official crime statistics.
Understanding Crime and Safety in Cuba
What led to the robbery at the small business in Havana?
The robbery involved four masked individuals who targeted a residence functioning as a small business, likely due to its possession of cash and goods.
How did the small business workers respond to the attack?
The workers managed to repel the attackers, preventing them from advancing beyond the living room.
What is the current crime situation in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a significant increase in criminal violence, with a 43% rise in murders in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.