Social medial new law enforcement tool

Law enforcement is using social media more and more as a platform to help solve crime. But what happens when the public starts to use the platform in an effort to catch the bad guy in their neighborhood?

People’s home security systems or cellphones catch the thief in action, then its shared with thousands of people, sometimes in a matter of minutes.

We’ve reached an age where if you commit a crime, chances are you’re going to get caught.

“You can’t just get away with it, they are going to catch you,” said Indio resident Dana Samson.

This home surveillance video from a palm desert neighborhood is one of the videos circulated online. It shows a man walking up to a car in a driveway, then opening the unlocked door. Then he starts going through the things inside. The neighborhood watch told us a person has been seen walking around checking for unlocked cars in the area.

After talking with police, the video was posted on YouTube, screen shots were shared on social media, and emailed to everyone in the neighborhood.

“Sometimes I will watch it especially if it’s in the area. I want my kids to be safe,” said La Quinta resident Robin Ennaco.

“It’s fantastic. Criminals need to get caught, it’s the way it should be. I think it’s definitely something that is needed,” said Indio resident Lance Mullen.

Another video posted on Facebook is from an Indio neighborhood. The homeowner had things stolen before, but not this time. The video shows a person trying to steal a bench that was chained down. The post was viewed over 13,000 times.

“They posted a picture of a man stealing someone’s bike. I actually re-posted it, and then that got re-posted. then they caught him,” said Samson.

Police tell us it’s rare for them to investigate a crime without some sort of technology as evidence.

“I wouldn’t be committing a crime if I knew I was more likely to get caught,” said Mullen.

“Now because everyone has surveillance and they are going to plaster all over Facebook. So a criminal can’t get away with much,” said Samson.

There can be a downside to going after this so-called social justice.

“Some concerns would be invasion of privacy things like that. I think people can jump to conclusions sometimes. But, I think overall as long as it’s being used responsibly it can be a useful tool,” said Manuel Cardoza.

People we talked with say they feel safer knowing people are looking out for each other.

“I think that it’s smart especially for parents that have kids, especially in your neighborhood,” said Ennaco.

“Definitely more empowered that with technology and computer savvy people that we are going out there and we are catching the criminals,” said Samson.

Riverside County Sherrif’s Department says the car burglar in the first video has been identified and he is now is custody.

Also police want to remind people this is just a tool for information. Don’t go after these people yourself, always call police.

You can remain anonymous by calling crime stoppers at 760 341-STOP.