LAKE STEVENS, Wash. — As a farmer, Darren Carleton says he's a naturally trusting person. Tool boxes are typically left wide open. Doors are unlocked. The fruits of hard labor, are within arm's reach, all the time.
But in the last two months, Carleton says he had enough of being a constant target for thieves. His power tools were stolen and another burglar was chased off his property a week later.
"I had to install cameras and an alarm," he said.
When Carleton noticed a very large flower basket was missing Tuesday morning, with the assistance of his newly installed surveillance cams, he posted images of the car, and the man who walked onto his property Monday night, on Facebook.
The thief happened to take a a 60-plus-pounds hanging basket Carleton custom made for a wedding, which is happening on his farm in just a few days.
The thief who took it couldn't have known the bride had carefully picked the flowers -- or that he would be seen confidently walking away with the very heavy basket.
"Both cameras are pointed in opposite directions," Carleton said. "He had no idea he was walking right into them."
Carleton put it all on Facebook, hoping someone would know something about the flowers, and maybe about all the other burglaries.
"I would say within an hour, I got a response," he said.
A Facebook follower told Carleton they knew where the flowers were. So far, the Snohomish County Sheriff has not located the thief.
But the police officer who came to the farm was really excited that social media actually worked out because it made his job a lot easier," Carleton said.
Carleton said he realizes that most of the time, burglary victims never see stolen items again.
"I was very happy that now the bride has two baskets in the end," he said. "She's happy they'll be here for the big day."