Teen shopworker turns vigilante to catch tool thieves after cops ditch the case – and gets an apology from their mum
Savannah Whittaker, 18, took matters into her own hands after the theft outside her dad's shop
A TEENAGE shop worker has tracked down two brazen thieves who stole tools from a pensioner's van in broad daylight after she posted CCTV of the crime on Facebook.
Savannah Whittaker, 18, says she even received an apology from the mum of one of two men caught on camera stealing the equipment after she shared CCTV footage of the pair online.
Her post went viral with more than 85,000 views, and she was bombarded with messages naming the pair believed to have carried out the theft outside MJ's Premier Store, Royton, Gtr Manchester on Monday March 6 at 5pm.
Police are now investigating after the CCTV and the names of the two suspects were passed on them - all thanks to the teenager's detective work.
And she was praised by grandad-of-three Peter Holt, who owns the tools which are worth more than £500.
Savannah, whose dad Justin owns the shop, said: "Peter came in after a job and was only in the shop about five minutes.
"We think he must have been followed – the thieves seemed to know exactly what they were doing.
"It gives new meaning to the phrase 'daylight robbery'.
"They were so stupid, they kept looking towards the shop but it meant we were looking straight at the camera.
"I just thought it was so horrible, how could you do that to someone?
"Peter was really upset so he was grateful when I put it on Facebook to try and help out.
"I wanted to share it to see if anyone knew these people, because on the CCTV you can see their faces clearly. But I didn't think I would get such a huge response.
"We know exactly who the thieves are now."
The video shows a blue Volvo 4x4 stopping in the middle of the road for the two teenagers to try the unlocked back door of the van.
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They are seen loading two toolboxes containing a planer, jigsaw and cordless drill – worth more than £500 combined – into the vehicle.
Dad-of-two Justin, 46, said: "The thieves just didn't care – there were houses overlooking and everything.
"Thieves seem to be confident even with CCTV everywhere they'll get away with it because the police don't have the resources to chase it up. It's awful.
"I am so proud of Savannah for taking the time to actually do it and it was nice to see the community come together."
Retired joiner Peter Holt, a grandad-of-three, had already been forced to replace his tools after his van was stolen four years ago.
He said: "Savannah did all the groundwork – she was a bit of a vigilante."
After initially telling Peter the case was closed, Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are investigating the crime after the names and CCTV were passed on to them.
A spokesman said: "An investigation is under way and enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone with information should contact police."
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