POLICE WARNING OVER FALSE CRIME REPORTS
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POLICE in Wolverhampton have issued a warning about the serious consequences of false crime reporting after a man was arrested for wasting police time.
The 21-year-old man, from the Eastfield area of Wolverhampton, walked into Bilston police station at around 4pm on Tuesday 20 April, claiming that he had been approached by a group of seven or eight people who had forced him to hand over his mobile phone and around £80 in cash.
However, further questioning by police revealed that the man had made up the incident in the hope he could claim a crisis loan after spending his benefit allocation for the week.
The man received an £80 fixed penalty notice for wasting police time.
Inspector Peter Haywood, from Bilston police station, said: “Reporting false crimes is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, criminal record or even a prison sentence.
“We take crimes of this nature extremely seriously because while officers are dealing with the fake crime, there might be an emergency situation somewhere else where they are desperately needed.
“Anyone found to be wasting police time with false crime reports will be arrested and could face prosecution.”
Members of the public are reminded to only dial 999 if there is a threat to life or a genuine crime in progress. Non-emergency calls and enquiries should be directed to West Midlands Police central switchboard number 0345 113 5000.
For more information on policing in Wolverhampton, visit www.wolverhamptonpolice.org.uk
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