A recent threat made to a casino in Lethbridge, Alberta has been determined to be a “swatting” hoax, according to local police.
The incident occurred on January 5th, when the Lethbridge Police Service received a call from an individual claiming to have planted explosives inside the casino. The caller also threatened to harm anyone who attempted to evacuate the building.
In response, the police immediately evacuated the casino and surrounding area, and called in the Explosive Disposal Unit to conduct a thorough search of the premises. No explosives were found and the area was deemed safe.
After further investigation, it was determined that the call was a “swatting” hoax, a dangerous prank in which a false emergency call is made in order to prompt a large police response.
Sgt. Will Baker of the Lethbridge Police Service stated, “This type of hoax is not only a waste of valuable police resources, but it also puts the public at risk and can have serious consequences.”
The police are now working to identify the individual responsible for the hoax and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This is not the first time a “swatting” incident has occurred in Lethbridge. In 2019, a similar hoax was made to a local high school, resulting in a large police response and the evacuation of students and staff.
The Lethbridge Police Service is reminding the public that making false threats is a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences. They are also urging individuals to think before they act and consider the potential harm and consequences of their actions.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and the police are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice. In the meantime, they are reminding the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible and ethical behavior, both online and offline. Hoaxes and false threats not only waste valuable resources, but they also put innocent lives at risk. Let us all work together to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
