CUBA NEWS
Those responsible for criminal records will be subject to temporary imprisonment due to the continuing nature of their crimes.
Published on November 15, 2024 - 1:18 PM
he Ministerio del Interior (Ministry) investigates a “criminal chain” of motorcycle and motorcycle thefts in downtown Santa Clara. The authorities ask the owners of this type of vehicle to take great precautions due to the ease with which it can be stolen.
According to a statement to the official radio station CMHW of Lieutenant Colonel Héctor de la Fe Freire, leader of the Minority in Santa Clara, so far 10 cases have been clarified and seven vehicles from both the state and private sectors have been recovered.
The network consisted of two main authors, one senior recipient and seven additional recipients, most of whom live in the province of Matanzas. This makes investigations difficult, because they steal in Santa Clara and take the motorcycles to Matanzas. So far, four people in question are still in temporary prison, and investigations are still coming up on the motorcycles that are still missing.
The Ministry warns that the crimes were committed by taking advantage of the vulnerability of the owners during procedures in public offices, by leaving the vehicles on public roads. The main manufacturers, as well as the recipients, worked quickly, dismantling vehicles to market their parts.
Due to the economic crisis that Cuba has been suffering for many years, there has been a significant increase in criminal activity, especially robberies and assaults. The lack of food, medicine and other basic goods, together with inflation and frequent blackouts, has created an environment of despair, which encourages some people to commit crimes to satisfy essential needs.
A flagship case occurred in February 2024, when a network that stole more than 130 tons of chicken destined for subsidized sale was dismantled. In addition, it is noted that increase in robberies vehicle, especially motorbikes and motorbikeswhich is essential as a means of transportation for many Cubans.
Insecurity is also reflected in attacks on roads and public spaces, which has created anxiety among the population and affected the perception of security in a country historically considered one of the safest in the region.
The current situation requires comprehensive solutions that address the immediate needs of the population and the root causes of the crisis. However, the Castro regime seems unable to do so.
How is community involvement impacting the fight against motorcycle thefts according to Lt. Colonel Freire?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Lt. Colonel Héctor de la Fe Freire, Leader of the Ministry of Interior Investigative Team in Santa Clara
Time.news Editor: Good day, Lt. Colonel Freire. Thank you for joining us to discuss the alarming rise in motorcycle thefts in Santa Clara.
Lt. Colonel Freire: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important issue.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Your team has been investigating a “criminal chain” involved in these thefts. Can you explain what this entails?
Freire: Certainly. Our investigation has uncovered a network primarily involved in the theft of motorcycles. We’ve identified two main perpetrators, along with eight others who played varying roles in the operation. The complexity arises because while the thefts occur in Santa Clara, the motorcycles are often taken to Matanzas, making it challenging for us to recover all stolen vehicles.
Editor: That’s a significant challenge, indeed. You mentioned that so far you’ve clarified ten cases and recovered seven vehicles. How do you determine which cases to prioritize?
Freire: Prioritization is based on several factors, including the value of the stolen vehicle, the frequency of thefts in a particular area, and whether the theft poses a greater public safety risk. We also take into account the owners’ testimonies and any leads we obtain during our investigations.
Editor: Given the ease with which these motorcycles are stolen, what advice would you give to owners to protect their vehicles?
Freire: Our advice is straightforward: owners should take extra precautions, such as using high-quality locks and parking in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible. An electronic tracking system can also be beneficial. Awareness is key, and we encourage owners to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Editor: It’s evident that community involvement plays a role in prevention. Are you collaborating with local communities in Santa Clara?
Freire: Absolutely! We’re actively engaging with the community to raise awareness about the thefts and the steps they can take to safeguard their property. We’re also gathering information from the public, which has already been helpful in our investigations.
Editor: With four individuals currently in temporary imprisonment, can you provide an update on the progress of your investigations?
Freire: We are diligently working to uncover additional details about the network’s operations. We are still searching for several stolen motorcycles and pursuing leads that could help us dismantle the entire chain responsible for these thefts. The investigation is ongoing, and we are hopeful for more positive developments soon.
Editor: It sounds like your team is making significant progress. What do you envision as the next steps in tackling this issue?
Freire: We will continue our investigations, but we also plan to enhance our patrols in areas most affected by these thefts. Our goal is not just to catch criminals but to create a deterrent effect through visibility and community awareness.
Editor: Thank you, Lt. Colonel Freire. It’s been eye-opening to hear about the measures being taken to combat motorcycle thefts in your region. We appreciate your dedication to community safety.
Freire: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this matter. Together, we can work towards a safer environment for everyone in Santa Clara.