November 30, 2015
Thomas Nestel /Twitter
SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel tweeted this photo of a passenger who allegedly stole someone's cell phone at the Cecile B. Moore, offering her amnesty if she returned the property.
SEPTA police recovered a passenger's stolen cell phone by offering the thief amnesty instead of being arrested.
On Friday, Police Chief Thomas Nestel tweeted a photo of the person who allegedly took someone's phone at the Cecil B. Moore stop at Temple University, offering the female passenger reprieve if she returned the stolen property.
Amnesty until 5pm on 12/4. Give Transit Police the phone that you took at CB Moore station & you won't be arrested. pic.twitter.com/PXqGRY9R7S
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) November 27, 2015
According to CBS Philly, the plan – which initially received criticism – worked as the victim got her device back shortly after his post. More from CBS:
Nestel says within hours, a woman, identifying herself as the passenger’s sister, brought the phone to the 39th District and it was then returned to a very grateful [woman].
An active tweeter who often utliizes social media to assist in his police work, Nestel said over the weekend that cops who opposed the idea have changed their tunes.
My amnesty offer generated lots of convo among police. Many admitted to me that they were opposed and now think it was good idea. Progress.
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) November 29, 2015
He told CBS that the top priority was getting the phone back and the unidentified passenger will face charges if she steals again.
