Social media finds shoplifters

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Leigh Follestad at his store after the incident

The Penticton storeowner who turned to social media to get the word out about a theft at his store, says the two shoplifters have been found.

Leigh Follestad said after the video of the theft at Smart Shopper went up on Facebook and YouTube, people started responding.

"I learned who one of the young men was," said Follestad. "He and I then messaged through Facebook, and he indicated he was willing to go through the Restorative Justice Program."

The other individual turned himself into the RCMP this morning (Friday) and has also started the process of restorative justice, said Follestad.

It was around 3 a.m., last Sunday when the downtown store owner got a call that there was a break-in at the store.

The front door was smashed in and items including four to five chocolate bars, four to five bottles of energy shots and possibly a lighter were taken.

Although only around $25 worth of merchandise was taken, Follestad estimated it would end up costing him around $1,000 in repairs.

It was when he watched the video of the two young men that he decided to put it up on Facebook.

He is glad his effort had the desired effect.

"It is awesome," he said. "At this point it worked the way I hoped it would work and hopefully it sends a message that with the power of social media, people will get caught."

Follestad added the RCMP is in the circle on this and that he is willing to not press charges, if the young men go through the restorative program.