texas

Plano Neighbors Concerned with Unwanted Visitors

People in one Plano neighborhood say a home on their block is causing major headaches.

For weeks, they say people have been coming and going from the vacant home on Blackjack Oak Lane.

Wednesday, there was a pile of miscellaneous household items in the driveway.

The items were put there by the homeowner – an investor – who says the family to whom they belong broke into the home and starting living there late last month.

Plano police say they've been called to the home nine times so far this year, and the complaints range from welfare concerns to burglary to criminal trespass.

"As a homeowner, knowing somebody just broke in and started living there, squatting, it's very upsetting," said neighbor Kelly Murra.

Apparently, it isn't the first time it's happened.

"No moving trucks, no furniture, nothing. They're just suddenly there," said neighbor Robert Straschewski.

The homeowner told NBC 5 he doesn't know why the house seems to have a welcome mat for unwanted guests.

He said he wants to put a stop to it.

In addition to clearing out the house, he says he's changed the locks, again, and filed formal eviction papers.

"We want to keep it nice and clean for everybody and safe for everybody," said Murra.

Squatting isn't illegal in Texas. There is debate over whether the family has a right to stay in the home.

An eviction hearing is scheduled for later this month.

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