Mar 6, 2009 9:20 am US/Eastern
Police Turn To Social Sites To Solve Crimes
BOCA RATON (CBS4) ―
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Social networking web sites are a frequent source of tips for police.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
South Florida police departments are logging into social network sites with the goal of keeping communities safe saying that tips on crimes can sometimes be gleaned from photos and content on social networking web sites.
So it's not just families learning about social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
At the Piano Showcase store at the Boca Town Center Mall, a thief stole a television set that was on display; the robber was caught on electronic surveillance cameras.
"This is just another tool in terms of getting the information out there, keeping the public safe and keeping the public informed," said Mark Economou, spokesperson for the Boca Raton Police Department.
The Boca Raton police department is online, not only with their own website, called Bocaviper.com, but they have opened accounts on other sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Their action encourages thousands to join and share information with them that they hope can lead to arrests. Authorities say it's effective. "A person, went back to the website to look for it. The video is up there and they said, 'Hey, I do know that person,'" said Economou.
The anonymous tip came from the posting of Boca Town Center video cameras for others to see, and it helped lead to a positive identification. Police got further information on the supsect from MySpace accounts and made the arrest.
Mark Alan Leszczynski, owner of Piano Showcase, was glad his television display was returned. "It is phenomenal that they are utilizing it," said Leszcynski.
Police say it's detective work with a modern twist.
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