Frustration Grows in San Antonio’s El Sendero Neighborhood Over Rising Crime Rates
San Antonio has become a backdrop for resilience as a west-side neighborhood, El Sendero, grapples with escalating crime. Residents like Brian Brewer, a long-time member of this community since 2005, are growing increasingly exasperated. “For nearly twenty years, we’ve been dealing with all sorts of crime,” Brewer said, listing a range of offenses from mail theft to car break-ins and even stolen bicycles from backyards.
Brewer’s frustration reflects a shared sentiment in the neighborhood. “My next door neighbor has had his truck targeted multiple times. They even stole the tail lights off of it,” he added. Once touted as a safe haven with the promise of being a gated community, residents are now questioning if that dream will ever become a reality, as the promised gates were never installed.
One Attempted Theft Leads to a Near-Tragic Incident
The situation took a serious turn last September during an attempted theft that led to an alarming shootout in the neighborhood. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the chaos, but it left the community rattled and more vigilant. “It’s not just happening to one person. It’s impacting all of us,” Brewer remarked, highlighting the feel of collective vulnerability.
Another concerned neighbor, Fernando Gauthereau, has taken proactive measures by installing security cameras around his property. These cameras have recorded suspicious activity, including individuals stealing mail from their cluster mailbox. “I have video evidence of them driving away in what we believe is a red Mercedes,” Gauthereau explained. This vehicle has become a key piece of evidence, as he noted, “How many red Mercedes are there in San Antonio? The police can easily track it down.”
Recent Stats Paint a Grim Picture
Coinciding with the alarming anecdotes of rising crime, the San Antonio community crime map reveals that in just the past year, the El Sendero neighborhood has seen over a dozen reported thefts. Brewer and Gauthereau are far from alone in their worries. They represent a growing group of residents who are fed up and looking for action.
“If it comes down to it,” Brewer asserted, “I’ll do what I have to in order to defend my property. Well, I’m retired military, so we go to the danger, not run away from it.” His commitment to not backing down is clear. “If something starts happening, I’ll come out, and I guess I’ll be involved in the shooting as well. Maybe I’ll get shot. I don’t care if that’s what happens, but we’re not going to take it standing down and we’re not going to allow this crime to keep happening.”
A Call for Change
The situation in El Sendero has become a rallying point for the community. Residents are realizing they need to band together for their safety, sharing tips and supporting one another in these difficult times. There’s a strong desire for preventative measures to be put in place, whether through increased police presence or improved security features for the neighborhood.
As Brewer remarked, “We just want to feel safe in our own homes again.” The resilience and determination of the residents in El Sendero serve as a reminder that while crime may impact a community’s peace, it can also spark a unified response.
San Antonio, as a whole, will be watching closely as El Sendero stands firm against rising challenges, hoping to restore peace and safety for all its residents.
