One in 13 robberies 'fictional'

Robberies have been invented so 'victims' can get a lift home

Police say one in 13 reports of robbery in north Manchester are made up by so-called victims.

Over the last three months figures from Greater Manchester Police show that about 8% of robbery reports were false.

Insurance fraud or just trying to get a lift home on a night out are among the reasons for lying, police say.

A 14-year-old girl recently falsely claimed to have been robbed at knifepoint to avoid getting told off by her parents for losing her bag.

The girl claimed she had been threatened and her valuables stolen outside Manchester city centre's Urbis.

But she had been drinking and left her bag and mobile phone outside while she went to the toilet.

Anyone caught making a false report will pay the consequences Supt Gerry Donnellan

A 33-year-old unemployed man alleged to have had £10 stolen by a gang of youths in Miles Platting, who threatened him with a fence post, brick, lighter and gas canister.

He was eventually warned by police for wasting their time after he admitted using the money to pay a dealer he owed money to for drugs.

In Clayton, a 19-year-old man claimed he had been the victim of a robbery in which his silver watch was stolen.

Officers suspected the tale was false after the alleged victim became agitated when he was asked to retell his story.

'Irresponsible actions'

He later admitted he had invented the incident to claim money on his insurance.

Police are warning people that it is a criminal offence to falsely report a crime and offenders could face an £80 fine.

Supt Gerry Donnellan, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Genuine victims of crime will receive full police support but anyone caught making a false report will pay the consequences.

"The irresponsible actions of these particular individuals wasted police time that should have been spent assisting members of the public who need our help in emergency situations."