UK cops turn to Flickr to ID riot suspects

Following the riots that hit parts of London this week, police in the United Kingdom are tapping a high-tech tool in going after the troublemakers: image-hosting site Flickr. The UK Metropolitan Police said they have uploaded closed-circuit television (CCTV) images to Flickr in a bid to have the public help identify troublemakers and looters. “Today we are releasing the first of many, many images of people we will be speaking to in connection with the scenes of violence. We will not tolerate the violence that has been seen in parts of London," Commander Simon Foy said in a statement. He said the priority of their operation, dubbed Operation Withern, is to “bring to justice those who have committed violent and criminal acts." Foy said the CCTV images are from incidents of looting in Croydon and in Norwood Road SE27. According to the Metropolitan Police, “Flickr will host the photos so that the public have as many opportunities as possible to help the Met identify those who committed violent and criminal acts on London’s streets." It said anyone who recognizes individuals in the photographs or has any information about the violence and disorder should contact the Major Investigation Team on 020 8345 4142. On the other hand, they can also report crime and provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The “Operation Withern" includes officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, specialist investigators from the Public Order Branch as well as police support staff. — TJD, GMA News