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Residents in Belmont Shore are organizing an event to "take back Belmont Shore" next week.
In hopes of showing solidarity against homeless criminals, Resident Barry Vince organized the event to document the "deterioration of their beloved neighborhood." Vince said that he hopes this plan will eventually turn into regular patrols.
“I would like nothing more than to have those who need help, get help,” he said in a release. “However, we also need to look out for the safety and well being of our families.”
The volunteers are working with the East Long Beach Neighborhood Watch, and Vince said the group's goal is to have two patrols, twice a week. The streets paroled would include Second Street and Ocean Boulevard.
“I fully appreciate and support our police department,” Vince added. "They are doing everything within their power, but are outnumbered and do not have the enforcement power to keep our streets safe. State and county laws have empowered the troublemakers. We need to even the playing field. We have the opportunity to take back our community.”
Long Beach hasn't seen resident patrols in over 20 years. The last time the city saw civilian patrols was when the gay and lesbian community organized watches in response to attacks outside of area bars.
“My interpretation is that vigilantes take actual action and physically confront people,” he said. “I am instructing our supporters that zero physical altercations or violence will be tolerated. We are providing awareness and temporary manpower to assist the police.”
The groups first meeting is called 'The March for the Shore', and is scheduled for 5 a.m. on Friday, November 2. Anyone interested in attending is asked to meet at the bathrooms on Bay Shore Avenue at Second Street.
See all the details on The Grunion.