Waterford Police turned to social media to solve a smash and grab robbery Monday, and had arrests made within hours.
According to police, a man and woman smashed a car window at the Dunkin' Donuts on Route 85 sometime between 3 a.m and 4 a.m. on Monday and stole a purse from inside. The car belonged to Cody Prentice, who works at the Dunkin Donuts.
"I looked in it for my purse and it was just shattered glass everywhere," said Prentice.
Immediately after discovering her purse had been taken, she called police and her credit card companies.
Police say after the couple stole the purse, they drove to Walmart and attempted to buy a TV with the stolen credit card. They were not able to purchase the TV and left the store.
Waterford Police posted surveillance photos of the couple on its Facebook page around 10:15 a.m. and asked followers to share the photos with the hope that someone would identify the suspects. Within three hours, police had the suspects in custody.
"The subjects have been found, thanks to a watcher of the WPD Facebook page," the Department posted just after 1 p.m. "Good job Facebookers! Thanks for helping WPD fight crime."
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Prentice says she's happy with the outcome and how quickly word got out from Facebook.
"This is awesome how fast it gets around. I might not have my car fixed for awhile but it will be fixed soon an (sic) this scum will be behind bars!!" Prentice posted. "Thanks to everyone who found them," she said.
Prentice says every police department should take to Facebook after it helped catch the people who broke into her car.
"There is good people out there that is gonna recognize these people and bring justice," said Prentice.
