CALGARY -- Note to would-be criminals: Police can access the Internet, too.

Four Calgary teenagers found that out the hard way after taking photos of their alleged graffiti handiwork in the southeast community of McKenzie Lake.

Within a few weeks, police were tipped off the photos had been posted on the social networking site Nexopia and moved in to make the arrests on Dec. 31.

"We got some names and passed them on to the investigating officer," said Const. Marty Martindale, community liaison officer for Dist. 8.

"We ended up checking these individuals out and they admitted to the crime and were charged."

The four -- between 14 and 16-years-old -- are each now facing one count of mischief to property under $5,000.

None can be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Martindale said the teens' parents weren't exactly dazzled by the chosen outlet of their artistic expression.

"Obviously they weren't impressed," he said.

"So there's support from that aspect of it."

Rather than warning criminals against posting their exploits in the Internet, Martindale said he wants to encourage more people to contact police with tips.

"It's all about the public for us, them watching out for one another."

As for why the teens decided to allegedly deface the property, Martindale said he didn't get a direct answer.

"I guess that tells you enough right there -- if they don't know why they're doing it, there's underlying issues."