A string of unsettling encounters has left a Southtown family on edge, sparking a renewed urgency for heightened security measures after their home was targeted for the fifth time by daring criminals. According to KENS 5, surveillance footage from Wednesday revealed a trespasser brazenly peering through their backyard fence, in a disturbing repeat of past intrusions that has seen the perpetrators make off with personal belongings on separate occasions.

In the latest incident, Sebastian DeHoyos, a resident of the repeatedly targeted home, reported that despite previous security measures a man was seen lurking around their property focusing solely on their residence while disregarding neighboring homes, he said "They drove straight through [the alley]. They ignored this neighbor, that neighbor, that shack, went straight to our fence and immediately started messing with our gate and latch," inferring the likelihood of the culprits possessing some prior knowledge about his home according to DeHoyos's account to KENS 5.

The family has endured a series of similar violations beginning from March 2023, culminating in this most recent invasion that has compelled them to consider self-defense options previously unentertained, "I feel like my siblings and my mom have typically been scared of things like self-defense, weapons, stuff like that. Unfortunately now, they're a lot more open to it," DeHoyos confided to KENS 5. In addition to more robust security installations, such as additional lighting and an enhanced alarm system, the community has rallied together in a pact of mutual vigilance, declaring a collective resolve to protect one another in the face of slow emergency response times.

Suffering from both financial strain and a deprivation of rest, DeHoyos conveys the desperation for a semblance of normalcy "It's costing us money and it's costing us sleep, frankly," a sentiment echoed across the Southtown neighborhood as they grapple with a surge in crime; DeHoyos recounted to KENS 5 how neighbors have experienced broken windows and theft, and in the midst of these trials, the fraternity of neighbors has tightened, with a consensus to look out for each other until law enforcement can intervene. While local police has communicated plans to heighten patrols and residents have access to a designated officer, the community still awaits more concrete action from councilmember Dr. Sukh Kaur, who is responsible for the area.