PD: Owner uses social media to track thieves

CROMWELL, Conn. (WTNH) -- A local liquor store, frustrated with some thieves went online to try to track them down.

When three women brazenly shoplifted at Willowbrook Spirit Shoppe in Cromwell, co-owner Jay Polke was livid.

"There were other customers coming and going," Polke said. "There was ample help here as far as the staff goes and it was gutsy of them to pull this event off."

Polke may get the last laugh. He was mad and got even.

"It's one of the benefits of social media, it works," Polke said.

The surveillance video he uploaded on social media spread quickly.

"Everybody started calling in, we probably had 250 calls," said Polke.
 
The sophisticated system in place with visible cameras captured close up images.

"One woman who was really disturbed," Polke said. "She told me she was very upset because one of the women used to babysit her child."

It appears the women knew what they were doing, grabbing high priced tequila.

Along with some popular vodka.

Pictures of the women are also displayed prominently in the package store.

Customers like Fred Ferris wants others to take a similar tact.

"It's the only way to reduce crime, you have to find the perpetrators, arrest them and put them in jail," said Ferris.

Polke has little doubt Cromwell Police will nab the women soon.

"I would say to them if they're out their watching this video," Polke said, "I would say turn yourself in, save everybody a lot of trouble and get your whatever happens to you."  
    
Oh and just one more thing.

"If you're thinking of doing something wrong, don't come back to Cromwell, go somewhere else," he added.

RK Wine and Liquor in East Hartford tells News 8 they were also hit. They saw the video from the Cromwell store and they think those are the same women who hit their store two days later.

If you've got a tip, call police.