Facebook helps Avon Police nab suspects

AVON, Ind. (WISH) - Investigators in Avon are using social networking sites to catch wanted men and woman.

The department has been using Facebook for just three weeks, and it has already produced results. Police have arrested five people after they posting surveillance pictures on the site.  

“They don’t really think about us keeping track of Facebook,” said Avon Assistant Police Chief Bill Weems.

The latest arrest involved two young men who are accused of stealing an XBOX 360 from an Avon Wal-Mart. Police say one of the two pushed a 78-year-old Wal-Mart greeter to the ground as the two tried to escape.

“Despicable character, I can’t image hurting a senior citizen like that,” said Weems.  

Police did not have a lot of clues. They did not have a names of the suspects nor a description of the getaway car; however, they did have surveillance pictures. Officers posted those pictures on Facebook and a day later the two suspects were in custody.

“They are always a little surprised when they find out friends or

Family turned them in because they saw them on Facebook,” said Weems.

Avon Police Crime tips already has 800 likes on their Facebook page .