Social media produced a positive result. When burglary suspects struck in Guilford in late December, the Guilford Police Department (GPD) turned to the community via social media to help identify a suspect. The request produced an overwhelming result and ultimately resulted in he identification of the suspect.

Police were investigating a burglary and an attempted burglary that took place in town on Dec. 27 and 28 in the neighborhoods of New England Road and High Meadow Road. The incidents were not believed to be connected, but a surveillance camera at one home managed to snap a picture of a suspect in the act.

Police then put the photo of the suspect as well as a photo of a vehicle on the Guilford Police Facebook page. The post was shared close to 3,000 times.

“Almost immediately after posting the suspects image to Facebook, Guilford residents began to contact the department with critical information that not only helped to identify the suspect and his vehicle, but resulted in the recovery of some of the property that was stolen,” a department press release said.

Charges are currently pending against the suspect, who is also wanted in connection with similar crimes along the shoreline. GPD thanked residents for their help with this case and asked for continued support.

“The GPD would like to take this opportunity to thank all the citizens that took the time to respond to our request for information,” the press release said. “Your community commitment, cooperation and assistance helps us to keep our community safe…The GPD would also like to remind the Guilford community that if you see something unusual or suspicious to say something—report the activity to the GPD as soon a possible, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”