Bellshill teenager held after hoax call to police

Nov 20 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A BELLSHILL teenager has been reported to the Children’s Panel for allegedly wasting police time.

The incident came to light after police attended a 999 call near Bankhead Avenue about 9.25pm on November 15.

The call related to an alleged firearms incident, according to the police reports.

As a result of the call several local police and a specialist firearms unit were deployed to the area.

After a thorough search, no trace of the person or firearm was uncovered, a police spokesperson said this week.

Through further investigation by police officers it was discovered that the incident had been a hoax call, wasting officers time.

The emergency call was allegedly traced to the 13-year-old boy.

He is now subject of a report to the Children’s Reporter allegedly for wasting police time.

Allan Wylie from Bellshill Community Police Office said that the problem of hoax calls was one which gave all the emergency services great concern.

He said: “Hoax calls to the emergency line, not only wastes the time of essential emergency services, but can endanger the lives of people in our community by diverting the Police, Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance service to malicious calls."

In other incidents in the area, two intruders attempted to rob a pensioner as he slept in his bed.

The incident took place at a house in Glenmore Avenue, Bellshill, at about 9pm on November 15.

The 86-year-old was asleep when two men broke into his house and attempted to steal a three-figure sum of cash and gold watch.

The victim awoke while the suspects were inside his house.

He then ordered them to leave and the suspects ran off.

The first suspect involved in this incident is described by police as being between 16 and 20, 5ft 6in, and thin build.

He had light-coloured hair, and was untidy in appearance. He was wearing dark sports clothing and gloves.

The second suspect was aged between 25 and 30, 6ft, with short dark brown hair and was wearing dark clothing and gloves.

Anyone who has any further information on this incident should contact Bellshill Police Office or call Crimestoppers in confidence and free on 0800 555 111.