A SOCIAL media-savvy shop owner took to Twitter to post a picture of suspected shoplifters in a bid to fight back against the "selfish" criminals and warn others.
After two women stole several items of baby clothing and a toy rabbit from his store on Ongar High Street, Colin Purcell logged on to the Twittersphere to spread the news.
"They came in on Thursday, they distracted me by trying to pay for small things with a £50 note and managed to steal several items," he said.
"It was clear that they might come back so I wanted to warn others. I checked through my CCTV, which had caught them in the act, and then I tweeted the picture.
"I knew a lot of the other traders followed me on Twitter and thought others would be able to watch out for them.
"The more people who know their faces the less likely they will be able to steal from others."
The 34-year-old, who has had his eclectic gift and homeware shop, When Skies Are Grey, since October, said: "It was the first time we had been stolen from. It was annoying, as a small business you don't want any sum stolen from you, especially starting out – it has an impact," Mr Purcell said.
"The criminals don't think or care about anyone else, they are selfish and can cause real damage.
"The quickest way of getting the news out was over Twitter, which a lot of shops are now using.
"Every business should be on Twitter, Facebook and all forms of social media, they are a great way of drumming up trade and keeping everyone informed."
On discovering the crime, Mr Purcell's first thought was to warn others. Eeny Meenie Miney Mo is a children's clothing boutique and toy store along the road.
Mr Purcell, who tweets as @Whenskiesrgrey_, said: "I thought they might be targeting that sort of item. I phoned Natalie, the owner of the shop up the road, to let her know. I knew they sold baby clothes and that she had been shoplifted from just a few weeks ago."
Natalie McCarthy, of Bowes Drive, Ongar, said: "We are very grateful for Colin giving us a heads-up. It was very thoughtful.
"With the picture on Twitter you can keep an eye out."
Essex Police said they would like to speak to the two women.
A police spokesman said: "Two women entered the shop and stole several items of baby clothing valued at £40. The women are described as eastern European and spoke with foreign accents."
