Online detectives go after vandals

SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Internet detectives angry about a YouTube video clip of teens vandalizing Christmas decorations believe they have found the suspects in Texas.

The sleuths did not have much to go on, WFAA-TV in Dallas-Fort Worth reported. But they worked with the video clip, exchanging information on line.

"These families have kids and they come out in the morning and their display is completely trashed," said Nick Copeland, a California man who contributed to the effort.

Copeland and others watched the video over and over, hunting for clues. They got the make of a car used by the vandals by examining the dashboard and listened for names.

They determined that the vandalism took place in Southlake, Texas. Police there say they have no recent reports of Christmas lights being pulled off and smashed, but the detectives say that the clip may be a year old, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

Copeland believes he has identified a suspect by going through FaceBook profiles, a 16-year-old who lives in Keller, not far from Southlake. He has turned over his information to Southlake police.