Not only is it a good-looking computer, but the iMac can also moonlight as a crime fighter.

Some images taken by one computer's iSight camera may help authorities nab a thief in Canada who stole several computers from an office building.

The story begins with a group of iMacs and laptops stolen from Workspace, a Vancouver company that rents out office space to individuals and small groups.

28 Sep 2007

Before getting ripped off, the iMacs were equipped with an application called Flickrbooth, which automatically uploads pictures taken in photobooth to a Flickr account. The company had been using the software for promotion and general office merriment.

However, when the machine got stolen, Flickrbooth turned from office toy to CSI tool. Apparently, the new "owner" of the iMac, we'll call him LonelyCrook, got the urge to show off. He fired up photobook, removed his shirt, and snapped a few pictures.

The next time the victims logged into their Flickr page, they found that the photos of LonelyCrook had been posted to their gallery. Not only did the pictures show the criminal's face, but apparently our dear LonelyCrook also wanted to display his artwork. A close-up picture of a large back tattoo was also taken. Both images were forwarded to police, who will no doubt find them very helpful.

Some of the Flickr tags placed on the photo: "do you know this guy" "stupidest criminal" "idiot" "police" "douche" and "bag".