False report of robbery solved in 3 hours

SINGAPORE - A 20-year-old man is undergoing police investigations for making a false report that he was robbed.

The man called 999 on May 16 around 6.50pm to report that he was robbed at Jurong East Avenue 1. He said that he was assaulted by three unknown man who had fled after taking away his money and mobile phone.

Upon receiving the report, the police conducted an extensive search to locate and apprehend the culprits. During this time, investigators also interviewed him and found several inconsistencies in his answers. Within three hours of lodging the report, the man eventually admitted that he gave false information to the police about the alleged robbery incident.

Investigations against the subject are ongoing.

Anyone who is convicted for giving any information which he knows to be false to a public servant shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to $5000, or with both.

natlim@sph.com.sg