Men jailed after UK police use Twitter to reconstruct robbery

A crime's been committed. The suspects are in custody. But you need more evidence. What would you do?

Surrey Police chose to stage a real-time reconstruction of the robbery, a month after the actual crime, on Twitter.

Live, work, shop on Tattenham Crescent? Stay tuned as you could help our investigation #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction pic.twitter.com/EEjxmc6e5O

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

The reconstruction was done under the hashtag #tweconstruction and reached more than 53,000 people, reported The Telegraph. 

10:15am: This Chevrolet is seen circling Tattenham Crescent. Did you see the occupants? #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction pic.twitter.com/cDq6JQdxxb

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

It led to around 40 calls about the case. 

10.20am: The cash delivery van pulls up to make their delivery. #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

The information gathered was used to cross out certain people from the investigation and trace others who were in the area when the robbery was committed.

10.23am: The Chevrolet parks outside the Co-op with headlights and brake lights on. #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction pic.twitter.com/8e2t24TCA1

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

It led to Terrance Clark, 50, and his son Lewis being found guilty of conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.

10.29am: The Chevrolet passenger jumps out and robs the cash delivery officer at gunpoint. Were you a witness? #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

The duo had attacked delivery driver James Smith and stolen £45,000 (S$95,000) from him on Jan 30 last year.

10.30am: Chevrolet leaves the scene believed using this route. Did you see this vehicle? #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction pic.twitter.com/wKbp5QZ5bZ

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

Mr Smith needed bone grafts and implants after the vicious beating.

Is this you or someone you know? They may be a vital witness #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction pic.twitter.com/RbC3TzHOml

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

Terrance was nabbed on the day of the robbery. His son was caught six days later.

This cash box is similar to the one stolen, do you know where it is? #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction pic.twitter.com/buGhrCPV8R

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

During the trial, it was revealed that Lewis had used his mobile phone to search for videos on how to commit a robbery.

11.35am: Chevrolet is found abandoned on North View Crescent. Did you see who parked it? #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction pic.twitter.com/YcquuWQQWv

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

The father and son were found guilty.

Over to you now, know something? Seen something? Then do something, call 101 quoting #OpJadeite #Tweconstruction http://t.co/Q8T8XPFsmm

— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) March 1, 2013

Source: The Telegraph