Social media sleuths help in solving Hess Village patio heater heist

Winter patio season is back on at a Hess Village restaurant - all thanks to the power of community and social media.

Speaking to The Spectator on Friday, Electric Diner co-owner Erika Puckering confirmed that the George Street diner's four patio heaters were successfully recovered Thursday afternoon, a little over 24 hours after they were stolen.

Early Wednesday morning, Puckering had arrived at a downtown restaurant only to find their patio heaters - used to warm their outdoor winter dining tent - nowhere in sight.

They hadn't been mistakenly put away or moved out of place - they'd been stolen during an overnight heist that left the '80s-inspired diner completely gutted."

But it didn't take long for news of the theft to spread far and wide on social media.

By Wednesday afternoon, neighbouring cafe and barbershop Andiamo had launched a GoFundMe, while Collective Arts brewery had dropped off heaters to help fill the gap.

Puckering said it took less than 24 hours for the fundraiser to surpass its goal of $12,000 - enough to replace all four of the heaters.

She'd already ordered new heaters when Puckering got a mystery phone call through Instagram on Thursday afternoon. Not recognizing the name, she initially ignored it, believing it might have been a mistake.

It was the opposite.

Puckering said the user then asked if she had a picture of the heaters handy, as they believed they could see them in the driveway of a home in the area of Burlington Street East and Wentworth Street North.

The picture confirmed it - and just minutes later, Puckering said her husband and business partner Jamie Ewing began a four-hour stakeout" to ensure the heaters didn't move. They also notified Hamilton police of the sighting.

I brought him doughnuts and water so he wouldn't leave the scene," said Puckering.

Eventually, two suspects - a man and a woman - emerged from the home and began loading two of the heaters into a trailer, while moving the other two into the garage, said Puckering.

Ewing got out to film what was happening and followed the pair as they left to ensure they wouldn't get away. Once again, he called police to alert them to the developing situation.

Police were able to pull the suspects over, said Puckering. Const. Krista-Lee Ernst confirmed that officers had arrested a 53-year-old woman and 43-year-old man in connection to the theft.

Ernst said the pair - who were known to police - were charged with breaking and entering, as well as possession of stolen goods over $5,000.

Hours later, Puckering said they were able to collect all four of the heaters and bring them back to the restaurant. Three were still in working order, while one will require repairs.

Puckering said the money donated toward buying new heaters will be completely refunded - but the power of the gesture still stands.

Every donation meant the world to us," said Puckering. I've never felt so cared for and loved, honestly."

Ernst said the outpouring of support on social media that aided in solving the theft is a great example of the power of information sharing" in the city.

This situation emulates community trust," said Ernst. There are 500,000 of us; this kind of sharing on social media can bring us to a safer Hamilton."

Puckering, however, is still in shock from the incredible" turn of events.

I didn't expect them to be found," she said. I'm overwhelmed by what has gone on in the last 48 hours."

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com