Willmar Cops Use Facebook to Nab suspected thieves

WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) - Willmar police used Facebook to help identify and arrest two suspects in recent thefts.

The West Central Tribune reports the tactic was so successful that police are considering using the social networking site more often.

One of the thefts was a January 25th robbery at Trav's Dino Mart. The other was a February 8th robbery at Korthuis Jewelry in downtown Willmar.

Police had pictures of the suspects from security cameras and put them on the Willmar Police Facebook page.

Chief Dave Wyffels says more than 790 people saw the postings, and they ultimately helped solve both cases.

Wyffels says police have many images from other unsolved shopliftings or gas drive-offs. He says posting images on Facebook might help solve some crimes, and deter similar ones in the future.