Burglary victims find stolen items on Facebook

Photo / AP

Victims of a burglary have helped solve the crime after finding their items for sale on Facebook.

After their Claudelands home in Hamilton was burgled on Saturday, the victims discovered their 50" plasma screen television, a Sony stereo, jewellery and clothing advertised for sale on the social media site, police said.

Officers were able to identify the offenders and their addresses, and recover a number of the stolen belongings.

A 15-year-old girl was caught at a house wearing a leather jacket which had been taken in the burglary, while a 17-year-old boy was found at an address where other items which had been stolen were found.

A search of a third home recovered the plasma television and stereo.

A 28-year-old woman was being interviewed in relation to receiving these items, police said.

Senior Sergeant Mike Underwood said social media had become a valuable crime-fighting tool.

"As a result of the victims relaying what they saw on the Facebook site to police in a timely manner, investigators were able to not only arrest the three offenders but return a large portion of the items taken," he said.

He warned criminals that police were watching such sites but also advised people to take precautionary measures.

"While we can use these sites after the event to help investigate the crimes there are some internet initiatives that can deter crime from happening in the first place," he said.

"We strongly recommend property owners record the serial number of their valuables on the Operation SNAP website so we can readily identify items that are stolen.

"At the same time we ask you to report if you are offered goods at prices too good to be true."