Technology

DPD Posts Robbery Video On YouTube

DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ― A 7-Eleven store in Dallas became the victim of a Christmas night robbery. The crime was caught on tape by a store surveillance camera. That video has turned into a historic first for the Dallas Police Department. It was the beginning of a new effort that finds police posting crime video on YouTube, in an effort to reach computer savvy Texans.

In a digital age, robbers can run, but not hide. The faces of criminals are now viewable on devices as small as a cell phone.

"I think it is interesting and will probably catch on," said Alexander Pappas. He regularly kicks back at the Opening Bell Coffee Shop and browses YouTube. He believes that this is the kind of thing that will make his generation stop and take notice.

Pappas continued, "I think it's relevant because a lot of people go to YouTube. It's easier to look. It's more private, and it probably has a better chance than past attempts of getting younger people invovled in crime stopping."

No weapon was used in the Christmas night robbery, but the posted surveillance video clearly shows the men's faces and dress.

"These two individuals, one black male and one Latin male, came in, assault the clerk and rob the location. In fact, we think these individuals may be guilty of some other robberies in the area, so we really want to locate them," said Lt. Vernon Hale of the Dallas Police Department.

In fact, police believe these men are responsible for a total of five robberies, escaping each time in a stolen blue 2005 Ford Explorer.

Hale likes the YouTube development, as it expands the pool of possible tipsters. He said, "I think it will be an awesome tool."

The YouTube video can even be viewed on the iPhone. "It's pretty good, actually. In fact, it almost seems more clear on the iPhone than it does on the laptop," Pappas said.

The video is also easy to bookmark and e-mail to friends.

There are some growing pains. Only 22 seconds of the two minute video made it onto YouTube, possibly because of technical issues. The clerk's dramatic attempt to stop the robbers is missing.

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