Police say fabricated reports of violent

crimes

are forcing officers to spend valuable time and resources investigating incidents that never occurred.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Lisborn Michael said some individuals have falsely reported being robbed, shot or kidnapped in attempts to cover up their own actions or avoid trouble at home.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Michael pointed to several cases that triggered police investigations before officers discovered the initial accounts were allegedly untrue.

In one case, a young man was reportedly inside a vehicle with his girlfriend when he accidentally shot himself. Rather than disclose the circumstances, he allegedly told investigators that he had been shot during a robbery.

Police eventually uncovered what they believed had actually happened, and the matter was taken before the court.

Michael also cited a case involving a soldier who allegedly reported being robbed. Investigators later concluded that no such robbery had occurred. That case is also before the court.

Another major response was launched on Father’s Day following a report that a 17-year-old girl had been abducted by three men.

According to Michael, officers later discovered that the teenager had allegedly made up the kidnapping story after her mother refused to give her permission to attend a party.

The senior police officer said allegations involving kidnappings, shootings and armed robberies cannot be taken lightly when they are first reported.

Such reports can prompt immediate deployment of officers, searches, roadblocks, interviews and other investigative measures, pulling personnel away from legitimate cases.

Michael said deliberately misleading the police can also have wider consequences by creating unnecessary public alarm, particularly when claims spread rapidly on social media before they have been verified.

He warned that anyone who knowingly files a false report could face criminal charges.

Michael also appealed to the public and media outlets to exercise caution when sharing information about alleged crimes before the facts have been established.

While acknowledging shortcomings within the police force, he said officers continue to work with limited resources and stressed that those resources should be available to respond to people facing genuine emergencies.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Police Warn Against Fake Kidnapping, Robbery and Shooting Reports.