Social media tracks stolen car for 260km

THE power of social media helped stop three teenagers and a man alleged to have stolen a car and fled more than 260km.

The theft unfolded sometime between 2.30am and 3am on Monday when a white Toyota Land Cruiser was taken from a Wildie St, Charleville, home.

A man, 22, two boys aged 15 and a 14-year-old girl are alleged to have stolen the car and fled towards Roma, more than 260km away.

The owner of the car took to social media with what police described as “ambitious posts” which tracked the stolen vehicle to Roma.

The shared posts helped a resident in Roma recognise the car. They then told police where it was.

Detectives from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) Roma and Criminal Investigation Branch detectives arrested the group.

The Charleville man, 22, was charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of driving while unlicensed.

He is due to appear in the Charleville Magistrates Court on December 20.

The two teenage boys and girl were charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

“Members of both the Charleville and Roma communities have also been praised in sharing the information which lead to the early location of the motor vehicle, and the apprehension of the four offenders,” police said.

Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.