ALBURY'S police chief has reassured genuine victims of crime to speak up, in spite of a hoax abduction in the city's centre on Tuesday.
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A 17-year-old girl falsely reported a man in a dark green utility, who she claimed tried to abduct her from David Street about 4.30pm.
She told police the vehicle displayed green P-plates and the driver was about 20-years old with dark hair.
The ordeal became public on Wednesday morning.
Police said she had been “dragged” into the vehicle, but escaped at a set of traffic lights on Dean Street.
An extensive investigation by Albury police proved her claims to be fake.
Acting Superintendent Evan Quarmby said he wanted to alleviate public fear and said the search for a man in a green ute was no longer necessary.
He said many man hours were spent on the case.
“When people make false reports of crime to the police, not only does it take up a huge amount of time and resources, but it also takes us away from investigating genuine complaints,” he said.
“We want anybody who is genuinely a victim of crime to feel comfortable in reporting that to the police so that we can provide our absolute attention.
“All complaints made to police are taken seriously and it's very sad when we then have to waste resources investigating complaints that aren't genuine.”
Acting Superintendent Quarmby was not prepared to say whether charges would be laid against the girl, but said inquiries were continuing.
“Police want to thank the community and media for their assistance in this matter, but we are no longer searching for the ute or driver,” he said.
“Inquiries into offences relating to the false report are continuing.”
An alleged rape near Dean Street also turned out to be false a little more than a year ago.
The report of the sexual assault on April 28, made by a 17-year-old girl, left the whole community on edge.
Police door knocked homes and scoured the streets looking for the three reported offenders.
Meanwhile, the debate for CCTV cameras in the area also flared up as a result of the report.
It was four days before the allegations were found the be untrue.
Anyone who witnesses a crime, or is a victim of crime, should report it to Albury police on (02) 6023 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
