The Stafford Sheriff's Office is seeking the public’s help in preventing trouble that might arise from large, online-inspired gatherings.

Sheriff Charles Jett said a new initiative called "Cyber Watch" stems from a relatively new phenomenon referred to as "flash mobs."

Flash Mobs are groups of people who gather hastily in a certain location after receiving notice over the Internet. Jett said some such gatherings have led to criminal activity in larger cities.

'Nothing like that has happened here and hopefully it won't," Jett said. "We’re just trying to take a proactive approach."

Citizens are being asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 658-4400 or Crime Solvers at 659-2020 if they hear about a large impromptu gathering that is about to take place, especially if any illegal activity is planned.

Jett said such activities elsewhere have been organized on such social sites as Facebook or Twitter and by mass text messages.

Groups have gathered and engaged in such activities as mass stealing and vandalism.

Jett said police will not harass people who are getting together for legal purposes, and realize that most flash mobs are harmless, such as one last year in which a group gathered at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre to sing Christmas carols.

The sheriff called the initiative an extension of the longstanding Neighborhood Watch programs and said the idea stemmed from a recent staff meeting during which current events were discussed.

"Flash mobs bent on committing lawless acts have the potential to put the citizens of Stafford County in danger," Jett said. "Working together all of us can make sure these types of crimes are stopped before they ever happen."

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404

kepps@freelancestar.com