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Pinterest, Twitter Help Calif. Departments with Leads, Communication

Some California police departments are now using social media to reunite victims with stolen property, gather evidence to build cases, provide a public platform to track valuables, and distribute breaking news.

Uploading photos on Pinterest, sharing tweets and using neighborhood networking websites are typical social activities, but some California police are now using it to reunite victims with stolen property, gather evidence to build cases, provide a public platform to track valuables and distribute breaking news, reports the San Mateo Daily Journal.

The Redwood City Police Department announced Monday its new Pinterest account successfully returned stolen jewelry to three different owners, at least two of whom were victims of residential burglaries, Lt. Sean Hart said.

The San Mateo Police Department has also set up a Pinterest account and, by collaborating with Redwood City police and the Sheriff’s Office, has allowed residents to view stolen items discovered in multiple cities on Pinterest sites, Hart said.

San Mateo police branched out and created accounts on Twitter and Leadsonline. Citizens can keep track of their property by uploading photos, receipts, serial numbers and any identifying information about their valuables on Leadsonline.

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