Residents along the San Pedro coast will use "Amish inspiration," Facebook and surveillance technology this weekend to fight back against an outbreak of crime in their neighborhood.
Homeowners will be helping one another install security cameras on their properties Saturday in response to a rash of break-ins. Organizers of the block party-style event said five homes and 11 cars have been broken into since last June.
"Using the 'Amish Barn-Raising' technique, we have found a cost-effective way to provide security, encourage neighborhood participation, and hope to serve as a model for other neighborhoods," said Will McKenna, a co-organizer.
The residents are using social media, too. The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Watch page on Facebook has about 400 members.
"If something happened and you get a clip from the video camera you can post it and say, 'Hey, anyone know who this might be?'" said Michael Herzmark, whose home was recently broken into.
Councilman Joe Buscaino said members have been using the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Watch's Facebook page to identify problems and share information. Not just with one another, but with the Los Angeles Police Department as well.
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