Allston store owner uses Facebook to catch thief

BOSTON -- An Allston store owner turned to a popular social networking website in hopes of catching two criminals who ransacked his store.

The suspect was clearly seen on the surveillance video grabbing a $4,000 glass tube without even noticing the camera right in front of his face.

He and a friend ransacked the glass art shop on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston, during which they stole and broke thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.

However, the store’s owner, 23-year old BU grad Daniel Lawton posted the surveillance video on the store Facebook page in hopes of catching the criminals.

"We use public humiliation to get back at kids," Lawton said.

Within days, the video had 6,000 views. The store’s online community recognized the thief and police made an arrest soon after.

Not all of the stolen glassware has been recovered.

Police have charged one suspect with breaking and entering, malicious destruction of prop and larceny. They are still working to identify the second person.

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