Cops' Bust Follows 'Heroin for Sale' Fliers

Maybe your neighbor took down a fence without your consent. Or maybe they blast reggaeton music all night long. Both pale in comparison to the problems played out among neighbors in North Portland, Oregon.

Residents on North Massachusetts Avenue were so irritated with one of their fellow homeowners that they decided to make heroin fliers advertising the sale of the illegal drug.

This definitely wasn't your typical suburban spat, nor your normal police reaction.

Neighbors noticed suspicious activity and jotted down the license plates of visitors to the home. They observed foot and vehicle traffic. And they made the fliers, reading "Heroin for Sale."

The flier also included the suspected drug house number, according to The Oregonian. The fliers were distributed to residents and to law enforcement.

All of their efforts eventually led to a police search of the home. Seven adults were arrested. A fifteen-year-old was taken into protective custody.

Drugs and cash were seized in the raid. Investigators also indicated that they discovered drug-making materials, and what they described as a "boxed meth lab."

Authorities lauded the neighborhood's efforts. And, residents were grateful that the police stepped in.

What can you do to combat crime in your neighborhood? Like the Oregon residents, homeowners can hold meetings to address concerns. You can also consider setting up a neighborhood watch. Organizing meetings and meeting other neighbors is also a good way to keep abreast of what's going on in the community. If suspicious activity takes place, contact the local police.

After all, nobody wants crime in their own backyard. And while you don't need to go so far as to create "heroin fliers," you can always keep an eye out for potentially dangerous activity.

Related Resources:

• Home raided after 'heroin for sale' fliers posted (MSNBC)
• Do's and Don'ts: Neighbor Relations (FindLaw)
• Murder Neighbor Over Dog Pee? Get Probation (FindLaw Blotter)
• William Stringer Charged in Shooting Death of Neighbor (FindLaw's Legally Weird)