Tips From Public Lead To Arrest In West Des Moines Theft

WEST DES MOINES, IA — A social media post that led to tips from the public is credited with helping West Des Moines police find a suspect in a weekend theft case. Sgt. Adam Porath said using social media in theft cases is a relatively new procedure for the department, but each time it has brought good results.

"This was the third instance when we've asked for the public's help in identifying theft suspects," Porath told Patch. "In every single one, we've been able to identify the person involved."

Porath said the department only turns to social media when police haven't been able to identify a suspect through the course of their investigation.

"Our resources only go so far," he said. "It helps us to have social media and have people be on the lookout."

The department had posted information on its Facebook and Twitter accounts on Wednesday relative to the theft of multiple items on Saturday from the Jordan Creek Scheels store. The post included a store video surveillance photo of the man sought in connection with the crime.

"Because of the public's help, we had several people give us his name," Porath said. Investigators were able to contact the suspect and he turned himself in earlier today.

Timothy Schrum of Westside has been charged with third-degree theft. Porath said he reportedly stole merchandise valued at about $560, including a Nike jacket, shoes, gloves and Iowa State University apparel.

The West Des Moines department has a retail theft group that keeps up on trends involving thefts in the area and the types of thefts occurring in nearby communities, Porath said. With a 100 percent success rate when sharing details with the public, he believes police will continue to tap into social media connections. Porath said sharing information about West Des Moines cases also "connects us to other departments" and allows investigators from multiple communities know what's happening in the area.

Photo provided by West Des Moines Police Department