The Woodcroft development in Durham is your average community but like anywhere; it's not immune to crime.

"I was trying to figure out how people can get better information, quicker about crime," resident Mark Elander said.

So Durham Resident Mark Elander decided to use the internet as a tool to fight back. He started a website called neighborhoodprotector.com

"Members can go upload things they see from neighborhood watches like if they see a suspicious car or person," Elander said.

Elander is hoping to arm residents with knowledge about the types of crimes going on in their neighborhood taking crime fighting to a new level. The website allows residents to receive email alerts when a crime happens within 5 miles of their home.

"If you put the curser on the dot you can see here on the 30th there was a car theft," Elander said.

The idea came about last year when Elander was out of town a lot. He said he felt uneasy about leaving his family. Now, less than a month and a half since the site launched, 150 members like Dan Ryan have signed up.

"By sharing this website and having people participate in it they're more cognizant of crime that is occurring in their area. They will be more aware of what's going on in their neighborhood. They'll lock their doors and look out for their neighbor," Ryan said.

NeighorhoodProtector.com also links to the Durham Police website that shows all the serious crimes that happen across the entire city. But the site does more than keep track of crime.

"We try to highlight some good things. People can post community events and theirs a neighborhood bulletin board," Elander said.

Elander said his goal is to stop crime before it happens, making his neighborhood a better place to live.

They hope to get more people involved in the next few months.

If you would like to be part of the program click here.