NEW YORK - Who says television is bad for you?

Justine Faeth's favourite show is "Law⩔der Special Victims Unit." The Manhattan office assistant recently used sleuthing skills she picked up from the show to help police catch a man accused of a string of robberies.

The suspect walked into the production company where Faeth works. Police say he stole an employee's purse, an iPod and a wallet.

Before leaving, he drank water and blew his nose. Faeth saved the cup and tissue. Investigators used DNA samples from the items to track down and arrest a suspect.

On Thursday, Faeth appeared on the U.S. television morning show "Today." Actress Mariska Hargitay, who plays a "Law⩔der" detective, called in to express her "awe." They even discussed the possibility of Faeth doing a walk-on.