Brazil man’s home was repeatedly burglarized, then he decided it was time to suit up and defend the neighborhood himself: ‘I am a symbol of hope’

A Brazilian man has found an unusual way to fight back against neighborhood crime, taking to the streets dressed as a medieval knight after his home was burglarized three times in just six months. The mysterious vigilante, who calls himself “The Templar,” has been patrolling neighborhoods in the northern part of São José do Rio Preto, a city in Brazil’s São Paulo state, according to G1.

He originally bought the medieval armor two years ago for a Halloween party. However, after repeatedly becoming a target of burglars, he apparently decided to put the unusual outfit to a different use. “My house was burglarized while I was at work. In a six-month period, there were three burglaries,” he claimed.

He believes the neighborhood has become an easy target because many residents leave their homes unattended while working during the day. He alleged that among the belongings stolen from his property was a television that he was still making payments on.

He apparently does not want to replace police

The armored vigilante now apparently patrols three neighborhoods: José Bernardes Coelho, Edson Baffi, and Campo Belo. He reportedly conducts his rounds late at night and on weekends, hoping his intimidating appearance will discourage potential burglars from targeting local properties.

Although The Templar has reportedly completed security guard training, he has never worked professionally in the security industry. He also insists that his activities aren’t intended to replace law enforcement or establish an alternative security force.

Instead, he wants residents to remain alert, document suspicious activity, and report potential crimes to the police. In a video shared by the outlet, he even encouraged other residents to start documenting their own neighborhood patrols. “I want to make it clear beforehand that I am against any vigilante justice. I am a symbol of hope, and I represent people who are tired of losing, even though we are the majority of good people,” he said.

The Templar claims his unusual approach has received considerable support from residents. He also believes his presence has contributed to an increase in police patrols in the area. He isn’t the only unusual vigilante to attract attention this year. In June, a mysterious figure dubbed the “Batman of Lagos” went viral in Mexico after suspected motorcycle thieves were reportedly found beaten and tied to poles.

Citing data from São Paulo State Public Security Secretariat, Jornal De Rio Preto reported that general robberies in the city fell from 570 to 506 in September 2026, an 11.2% decrease compared with September 2025. However, an analysis of public security records by Crime Brasil found that the city recorded 13,043 criminal incidents between September 2025 and August 2026, equivalent to approximately 2,587 incidents per 100,000 residents.

That’s 8% higher than the São Paulo state average. Theft accounted for the largest share of reported offenses, with 7,259 cases making up 56% of the total.