Lakeville police urge community to call 911 before reporting crimes on social media

Lakeville's police department took to Facebook on Friday, urging the public to call 911 before reporting crimes on social media.

According to the post, police in Lakeville have seen an increase within the community of people using social media to discuss and report crime, but failing to contact the police.

The department said they recognize the importance of social media for alerting the public to crimes, but it should never be the first, or only, action taken.

The response time of law enforcement after a call can be critical in solving a case.

Two rules were put in the post, first "social networking sites...should NEVER be used to report crime." Second, "Social networking sites should not be used to advise neighbors of potential crimes until AFTER you have already dialed 911."