From August last year to November this year, the police received a total of more than 140 reports, all of which said that there was noise and a strange smell coming from the upstairs of the unit located in Pok Hong Estate, Sha Tin, and that a fire was suspected.
However, the police and the Fire Services Department went to the scene several times and questioned the neighbors, but nothing was found.
As the police suspected that someone had made a false report, the case was handed over to Team 1 of the Serious Crime Squad of Sha Tin District to take over the investigation.
After an in-depth investigation, the detectives finally arrested a 46-year-old local woman on the 10th of this month for allegedly "wasting police force". However, during her bail period, she was suspected of continuing to report a total of 15 noise complaints. She was arrested again today (17th), and she is now being detained for investigation and will appear in Shatin Magistrates' Court tomorrow (18th).
The Police remind the public that false reporting of cases not only affects the efficiency of the Police in handling emergencies, but may also result in people who really need assistance not being provided with appropriate emergency services.
According to the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, wasting police force by making a false report is a serious offense and the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$2,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.
