4 June 2013

Woman arrested for public mischief

| Barcham
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A 39-year-old woman from Holt was arrested by police earlier today (Tuesday, June 4) for causing public mischief.

The woman contacted police about 9am, reporting that her handbag was stolen as she was walking along Starke Street in Holt by an unknown man. She alleged the man came up behind her and snatched her handbag before running off.

A number of cars from Belconnen Station responded to the incident along with a K9 unit from the Specialist Response Group.
Superintendent of North District Brett Kidner said that tying up of police resources on a false report is inexcusable.

“A sergeant and four constables, along with a K9 unit, responded to this call for help. After making a number of enquiries, responding police ascertained that the woman had made the whole thing up,” said Superintendent Kidner.

“It is concerning that some people show no consideration for wasting police resources, in this instance for over three hours. The commitment of these resources to this task meant that they were not available to respond to other emergencies.”

The woman will be summonsed to attend the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date.

Public mischief is an offence under the Crimes Act 1900. The offence, if found guilty, is punishable by a fine of $2000, imprisonment for up to one year or both.

[Courtesy of ACT Policing]

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Dork said :

I find it more concerning that police show no consideration for wasting police resources. It took them three hours to figure out she lied? Really?

And you with your psychic powers would have known at once? The police assume that putative victims are telling the truth. When things eventually fail to add up, that takes time

I find it more concerning that police show no consideration for wasting police resources. It took them three hours to figure out she lied? Really?

Sammy said :

I think the amazing part of this story is how many resources the AFP apparently allocated to this. They seem to show very little interest in your average house burglary.

I think you will find that they have a much better chance of having success if they are able to respond very soon after the event had occurred. I suspect that this has told them it just happened, and they responded accordingly. The response would have been different if there had been several hours since the event occurred and the time that she reported it.

People would complain if only one constable was in attendance.

I am glad that the person has been charged, and I hope the courts respond accordingly.

obamabinladen said :

So when they’re time is wasted its a criminal offence? How about all the time they waste is that a criminal offence?

What time is that? Doing RBT’s, locking people up, giving out speeding tickets, investigating murders etc. Or are you one of those people that think Police should work 10-12 hours a day without getting a lunch break or coffee?

Sammy said :

I think the amazing part of this story is how many resources the AFP apparently allocated to this. They seem to show very little interest in your average house burglary.

A burglary where the offenders could be hours long gone, and a robbery where an offender is still in the area… I wonder why there is a difference in response?

Sammy said :

I think the amazing part of this story is how many resources the AFP apparently allocated to this. They seem to show very little interest in your average house burglary.

My house was burgled last year and the police couldn’t do enough to help us.

obamabinladen9:05 pm 04 Jun 13

So when they’re time is wasted its a criminal offence? How about all the time they waste is that a criminal offence?

I think the amazing part of this story is how many resources the AFP apparently allocated to this. They seem to show very little interest in your average house burglary.

1 year and $2000 fine sounds fair. I hope she gets the maximum.

Instant Mash4:24 pm 04 Jun 13

That seems like quite a turnout for a bag-snatching.

Holden Caulfield4:14 pm 04 Jun 13

So what crimes happened in the area while the plods were otherwise engaged searching for the imaginary bag thief?

It’s got to be the most fun sounding charge on a rap sheet.

To be charged with it at age 39 is pretty weak though. I wonder if there’s a mental health issue buried here somewhere.

I hoped this story would involve spells or at least pixies. Mischief isn’t what it used to be…

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