Multiple reports of kidnapping and robbery investigated by police in recent weeks have turned out to be false, Assistant Commissioner of Police Lisborn Michael has disclosed. As reported by Antigua Observer, the pattern of fabricated incidents is raising serious concerns about the diversion of law enforcement resources away from genuine cases.
According to Michael, a reported kidnapping in Clare Hall over the weekend triggered a significant police deployment, stretching personnel and equipment that could have been directed toward legitimate emergencies.
The Assistant Commissioner's disclosure highlights a growing challenge for the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, as officers are repeatedly called to respond to incidents that prove to have no basis in fact. Each false report consumes manpower, vehicles, and investigative time — all finite resources in a small island nation.
Authorities have not yet indicated whether any individuals responsible for filing the false reports will face charges, though fabricating police reports is a criminal offence under local law.
The warning from senior police leadership serves as a pointed reminder to the public that misuse of emergency services carries real consequences — not only for the officers involved, but for those in genuine need of assistance who may face delayed response times as a result.
