Neighborhood Watch Leader Helps Police Stop Serial Theft Ring in Petah Tikva

A series of burglaries that terrorized residents of Petah Tikva, including the theft of jewelry and hundreds of thousands of shekels, ended thanks to a neighborhood initiative led by social activist Yaron Kedushim. He said in an interview on "The World This Morning" that he was moved to act even though he was not personally targeted. "It all started with one of my neighbors, whose inherited jewelry was stolen, jewelry with sentimental value that was very expensive," he said.

Kedushim said he formed a neighborhood watch and began tracking the suspects. "I realized he had a partner with a white Corolla," he said. "That same day there were four more thefts, including a bride's jewelry before her wedding, and then I understood there was a pattern." The repeated attacks gave him reason to believe the same group was responsible.

His close surveillance culminated when, using a network of reports, he located the suspects in real time. He then called the police and coordinated the operation with them, directing officers straight to the gang's location. The prompt police response brought the theft spree to an immediate end.