First of all you have not stated what town and state you live in. Secondly, it is the job of your local law enforcement office to "nail these guys.", not you and your neighbors!
If you want to intelligently communicate your message to your neighbors, why not associate yourself with a neighborhood on Neighborhoodlink.com. And then, to take it a few steps further, why don't you encourage your neighbors to whom this has happened, to call the police or sheriff's office if they haven't already. The last thing your local law enforcement needs is for you and your neighbors to form your own vigilante group and cause more problems. Finally, why don't you really be radical and start a neighborhood watch group? It's up to us you know, it doesn't happen by accident anymore that a big bang could create a magnificent universe. Let's wise up and get involved in a productive way. For more information on neighborhood watch, contact your local sheriff's office or police department. They will be more than happy to direct you to an existing group in your neighborhood where one may be already established. If there is none, start one! They will be happy to go over the requirements. Work within the guildelines of established authority and you will be pleased with the communication you will open up with your officers and deputies and their authorities. How about it?