(NewsNation) — Residents from the wealthiest town in the United States are offering up their homes as bait in a new police initiative to target and deter would-be burglars.
Atherton, California, is known for its flashy mansions. It is the wealthiest area in the U.S., with an average home sale price of $7.5 million, according to Realtor.com.
After numerous home burglaries were reported in the neighborhood, the Atherton Police Department announced an initiative aimed at luring and capturing unsuspected burglars called the The Burglary Prevention Bait House Program.
For those who volunteer to be a “bait house,” surveillance technology would be placed throughout the house so that law enforcement can then monitor and respond quickly to any unauthorized entry.
In a news release, police say they will actively engage with the community to raise awareness about the program. The program will be continuously assessed and adjusted based on data and feedback, according to police.
Atherton Police Commander Dan Larsen told The New York Post that several residents have already volunteered to have their homes used in their communal efforts to reduce crime.
