BEDS Police is reminding residents of the dangers of making false allegations and wasting police time.
Earlier this week, detectives carried out an in depth investigation into an alleged robbery in Wheatfield Road where the ‘victim’ claimed to have his computer stolen by two men who were armed with a knife and also made threats to kill.
The allegation meant that officers were required to take statements, undertake door-to-door enquiries and view hours of CCTV footage before the truth was discovered. Detectives found that the ‘victim’ - who was suffering from financial difficulties - had used his computer as security on a loan he took from a pawnbroker. The 27-year-old man who made the claim was subsequently charged with wasting police time and given a fixed penalty notice.
To report any crime please contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.