ACT Policing has extended its thanks to the Canberra online community for its assistance in identifying the two male offenders suspected to be responsible for the assault and attempted aggravated robbery of a taxi driver in Macgregor on September 6.

Photographs of the offenders extracted from the taxi’s security camera were published on the ACT Policing Facebook page.

These clear images were shared between viewers 736 times, with over 108,000 views of the post. Numerous information reports were received via the Crime Stoppers phone hotline (1800 333 000) and online page (act.crimestoppers.com.au).

As a direct result of information received, yesterday (Sunday, October 26) Belconnen General Duties officers executed search warrants on two Macgregor residences.

Several items were seized as evidence.

Later, a 19-year-old Macgregor man voluntarily attended Belconnen Police Station and spoke to police.

He will be summonsed to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on a date to be fixed.

A second person, a 17-year-old northside youth, will also be summonsed to appear in court in relation to the assault.

Belconnen Constable Dominique Reynish, who led the investigation, said that within 10 minutes of the alleged offenders’ photographs being posted on the ACT Policing Facebook page, indications had begun to emerge about the pair’s identity.

“From an investigator’s perspective, this outcome proves how powerful social media can be in generating case leads and building an intelligence picture,” Constable Reynish said.

“It also proves that there is a strong willingness out in the community to support the work of police, particularly if we provide the most appropriate communication methods and maintain a positive engagement.”