In a brazen act of theft, the glass doors of the Caribe Store "La Terraza," located on Aguilera Street in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba, were stolen during the night. This incident was captured in a video shared on Facebook by the content creator Cuba a Rajatabla, who focuses on documenting various neighborhoods in the city.
The theft has become a symbol of the pervasive lawlessness in the province, especially given its location: the store is merely about 150 meters from the Motorized Police Unit of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) Traffic Directorate, and just 50 meters from the identity card processing offices under the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
The video creator recounted that he passed by the store without noticing the theft, and it was the locals who informed him of what had happened. "They told me later that the glass door was taken early this morning. They also went inside and took the office door," he explained while showcasing the empty interior of the shop.
At the time of the break-in, the store was closed and devoid of merchandise, leaving the thieves with only the doors to take. Nonetheless, the content creator emphasized the boldness of the act: "They took it and entered calmly," he commented, highlighting the store's proximity to a police presence.
According to Cuba a Rajatabla, the root cause is the darkness stemming from the ongoing electricity crisis. "This isn't about the police, folks; it's about the darkness engulfing Santiago. The criminals are roaming free," he declared, recalling previous videos where he warned about the vulnerability caused by prolonged blackouts in Santiago neighborhoods.
The Caribe Store Chain—formerly known as TRD Caribe or Foreign Exchange Collection Stores—is a state-run retail network founded in 1994, connected to the GAESA conglomerate of the Armed Forces.
This theft is part of a growing pattern of insecurity in Santiago de Cuba, exacerbated throughout 2026 by frequent power cuts. Last August, newly installed solar lights on the city's main avenues were stolen just days after being set up. In September, two solar panels from a telephone cabinet in the same Santa Bárbara neighborhood were taken, leaving around 900 users without backup energy.
The police response has also faced repeated criticism: in one documented instance, a family waited over ten hours for the PNR to arrive after reporting a robbery, with officers attributing the delay to a shift change. Faced with their inability to ensure security with their own resources, Santiago authorities have turned to nighttime neighborhood watch efforts to safeguard public facilities.
"Do you remember what I said about the darkness? Do you remember the video I made on my rooftop? The thieves are loose and unchecked," concluded Cuba a Rajatabla, encapsulating the frustration of many Santiago residents as insecurity continues to rise alongside the power outages.
Understanding the Security Challenges in Santiago de Cuba
What makes the location of the Caribe Store theft significant?
The significance lies in its proximity to a police unit and MININT offices, highlighting a stark contrast between the presence of law enforcement and the audacity of the criminals.
How has the electricity crisis contributed to the crime rate in Santiago?
The ongoing electricity crisis has led to extended periods of darkness, creating an environment that emboldens criminal activities, as evidenced by the recent thefts in the city.
What measures are being taken to address the rise in crime?
Due to limited police effectiveness, local authorities have resorted to implementing neighborhood watch programs to help protect public spaces during nighttime.