Surrey RCMP are using an online tool for investigation thanks to the bravado of mischief -makers and a public video site.
Mounties are frequently scanning YouTube, an Internet-based video sharing site as another arrow in their investigative arsenal. Some of the proud youth are posting their mischief on the free website, and police are using it to their advantage.
Most recently, a graffiti artist posted his “artistic” process on YouTube. Surrey RCMP Cpl. Roger Morrow said the public video site has growing importance to investigators. Only two months ago, police caught thugs in a South Surrey assault that was posted on YouTube.
“Those tapes were used to identify the offenders for the investigation,” Morrow said Wednesday. “Needless to say, it brought an abrupt halt to the problem.” He said it’s “very considerate” of the most recent graffiti artist to share their work with the world ? and police. Morrow noted the desecration of public property is costly and illegal. It costs Surrey and the school district about $500,000 annually to clean up graffiti.
“I laugh because they say ‘we are artists,’ ” Morrow said. “Well, artists bring their own canvas, and they proudly display their work in a gallery or whatever... (graffiti is) not art, it’s wrong.” Police are examining the the graffiti video to determine the identity of the culprits. Morrow also said police may be expanding their use of YouTube, posting videos from security cameras in hopes other youth can identify the perpetrators.
“Now we could post to YouTube, because where are the kids going to be watching? YouTube,” Morrow said. “I think that’s going to come.”