Police issue warning over false reporting

Cold callers will get the cold shoulder in the ‘No Cold Calling Zones’

Police in Rochdale are warning people of the consequences of making false reports over burglary or robbery.

Last week a man was issued with a fixed penalty notice after alleging that three males robbed him for a sum of money. On investigating officers discovered that he had made a false report in order to obtain money.

Most non-genuine claims are linked to valuables such as mobile phones, iPods and satellite navigation systems. Police say that often burglaries are falsely reported by people in order to claim money back on insurance for these items.

Superintendent Hughie Hardiman from Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division said: “We fully investigate all reports however, we will take action against those who are wasting valuable police time and resources for their own gain.

“The false reporting of crimes is a very real issue and takes away officers and valuable resources from the real victims of crime. Most people who make these claims do so without realising the seriousness of their actions.

“When they make a false allegation to reap the rewards of an insurance payout or update their mobile phone they are breaking the law, and as well as an £80 fixed penalty notice they could also end up with a criminal record or a prison sentence.

"Our message to everyone is simple, genuine victims of crime have nothing to fear, but those who make false allegations for financial gain will be found out eventually."

The warning is supported by a range of posters designed to send home the messages that lying to police is a crime, wastes police time and can lead to fixed penalty notices, fines from the courts and even imprisonment.