Smart phone app may catch thieves

TORRINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- A smart phone was stolen in downtown New Haven and days later new pictures of the possible thieves pop up online. Thanks to photo sharing technology a Torrington woman believes she knows the faces but not the names of the suspects.

For weeks Julie Stoner has wanted one thing...

"I hope to get my phone back," said Stoner laughing.

December 23rd she went to a church function at Toad's place and left her phone on the table.

"It didn't even occur to me to be more cautious," said Stoner.

But it disappeared. Days went by and all of a sudden she got an alert in her email through a photo sharing app saying new pictures were online.

"I went to the folder that had said had been updated and lo and behold there are pictures," said Stoner.

Not just a few pictures but nearly 50 taken with her phone littered her inbox. Many of them of this woman and this man, a couple her church friends recognized.

"I didn't want to think that they had gone to a Christmas church service and stolen something. So people actually saw them there, actually spoke to them," said Stoner.

They spoke to them, but no one knew their names.

"So we started sending texts to the phone, beggin please turn in my phone. Turn in my phone," said Stoner.

Weeks went by, she had family call them but nothing worked.

"I give people the opportunity to do what's right. You know, to realize the mistake they made and to correct it," said Stoner.

She finally went to police, handed over their pictures, and refuses to cancel the number hoping they'll have a change of heart or police will force their hand.

"I've put a lot of pictures on it and contacts and there are some very meaningful, personal text messages that I've saved so I really want my phone," said Stoner.