iPad Theft Not A Theft

POLICE are warning people of the consequences of false reporting. 

On Thursday 29 December 2011, a 43-year-old man claimed he had been robbed on Walshaw Street, Oldham. He told police he had been assaulted and his bag containing documents and an ipad 2. 

Officers interviewed the man and following investigation, police determined that the robbery had not taken place. 

He admitted he had lost his bag. 

Oops.

He was issued with a fixed penalty notice for wasting police time. 

Police Constable Lee Cullen based at Oldham Police Station said: "The false reporting of crime is a serious issue and one not taken lightly. When a crime is reported to police, officers fully investigate and use all available resources to try and find the offender and bring them to justice. 

"In this incident, time was spent interviewing the victim. This time could have been used supporting a real victim of crime. 

"I would urge genuine victims to contact police as soon as possible and remind those who are thinking of making a false report that we will fine you or in some cases, prosecute you."