AUBURN – Three teenage boys were charged with burglary and criminal mischief thanks to tips police got via the Web site facebook.com.

Two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old were captured on video at the Hilton Garden Inn Spa.

There, they ripped off wall tiles and threw them into the spa and the hallway about a week ago, police said in a written release. The teens caused roughly $1,000 in damage.

Several Facebook users who recognized the teens notified police through anonymous tips. Police confirmed the identities of the juveniles through secondary sources.

Police credited Facebook users with assistance in solving the case. City police joined the online social and professional network about two weeks ago.

“Inviting and encouraging online participation through a social networking site like Facebook shows that we are keeping up with the times and promoting the mission and message of the department in a whole new way,” Police Chief Phil Crowell said.