ENCINITAS, Calif. -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is recruiting extra help in an effort to prevent all-night rave parties in foreclosed homes, 10News reported.

In the Encinitas Ranch development, a neighborhood watch group is born, and coordinator Dick Stern knows exactly what he's watching for.

"It was quite disturbing seeing those aftermath of the parties," said Stern.

This past summer, authorities said a rash of foreclosures in the North County turned into party scenes as teen bashes left pricey homes damaged and trashed, often causing thousands of dollars in damage.

With deputies determined to avoid any repeats, 10News has learned crime prevention officers have sent thousands of neighborhood watch groups across the county a message.

Henry Tirado, crime prevention officer for the Encinitas substation, works with nearly 900 neighborhood watch groups. He said, "The message is to call law enforcement if you see suspicious activity. They know their neighborhoods; they know when something or someone is out of place, and their help is critical to preventing this from happening again."

While there are no major problems at Encinitas Ranch, the area is now one of many upscale areas home to new neighborhood watch groups.

Stern's group is watching a handful of homes, including a $1.2 million foreclosure and a $1 million home up for short sale.

"Our resolve is we will do everything, working with the sheriff … that type of activity does not take place in Encinitas Ranch," said Stern.

The group will take the added step of monitoring the exterior and landscaping of the homes. If the bank does not do a good job, the homeowners association would step in and charge the bank.

It shows that someone is taking care of this house. That should help prevent vandalism and other parties," said Tirado.