Neighbors across the country are using Twitter, blogs, e-mail and street patrols to help ward off crime. While some groups form after break-ins or muggings, there also are signs of increased interest as law enforcement agencies are strained by layoffs and furloughs to fight ballooning budget deficits in the recession.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/11/neighborhood-watch-20-nei_n_256304.html