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Google Street View Nabs Dutch Thieves

Boy found photo later, alerted cops

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Jun 22, 2009 1:52 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Google Street View that has infuriated many privacy advocates has helped solve a crime, the BBC reports. A Dutch boy, 14, chanced upon a months-old photo on Street View that shows him with two men right before they allegedly mugged him. Authorities retrieved the original photo from Google—the web version is blurred—and have arrested the twin brothers.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

Google Street View caught the two alleged assailants walking alongside the boy shortly before he was mugged. (Google Street View)

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For us, it is unique. The picture was taken just a moment before the crime.
- Police spokesman in
Groningen, Holland

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Google Street View Nabs Dutch Thieves