PHILADELPHIA -
When Annie Heckenberger walked out of her Northern Liberties home earlier this week and found her 1998 Saturn wasn't where she parked it on American Street, she knew something was wrong.
"I just couldn't find it after 30 minutes, so I tweeted I think my car's been stolen," Heckenberger told FOX 29.
Heckenberger's tweet caught the attention of others on Twitter who re-tweeted her message to Philadelphia Police. That's where Corporal Frank Domizio, from the department's social media section, saw it and responded. he asked if she'd filed a police report, then sent help her way.
"I got to give out some really good information to someone who was having a real problem," Domizio said.
"It was an amazing example of Philly Police on Twitter, actually helping me find out what to do what the process is and what to recover my car," Heckenberger explained.
Domizio tweeted her to call various agencies to make sure her car wasn't towed. Then, he hooked her up with officers from the Sixth District.
Officer Sharon Corrado stepped in, launching a search for her lost vehicle, keeping Heckenberger updated on the hunt.
Hours later, they found it parked half a mile away on Second Street near Spring Garden.
"Officer Corrado called me back and said, 'You'll never believe it. We were turning a corner and we spotted your car. We have it,'" a relieved Heckenberger said.
Police are citing Heckenberger's Twitter tale as a success story for their social media network. They hope more people will turn to Twitter and the department.
"That's the whole point of the police department to serve the citizens. If we can do it this way that's awesome," Domizio said.
"My advice to others on twitter is to follow Philly PD and engage with them regularly because they're a great resource. I got my car back," Heckenberger said.
Heckenberger says there was no damage to her car, and nothing was stolen out of it. Police get 15 to 20 tweets per day. They read them all and help where they can.
On Twitter, you can reach them @phillypolice.
