Recent reports on social media of attempted abductions at Georgian Mall in north-end Barrie have been deemed false and city police are asking people to refrain from sharing inaccurate incidents.
Police and Georgian Mall security services have confirmed that recent abduction reports are inaccurate, and no such incidents have taken place.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Jennett Mays told BarrieToday that it was communication between the mall and police that led to the reports being deemed false.
“There were no police reports filed regarding attempted abductions, so no police resources were utilized,” said Mays. “After each receiving media calls, (Barrie police) corporate communications and Georgian Mall security spoke to determine that there had been no reported incidents.”
While false reports have the ability to travel far and fast on social media, Mays said the online tool can still be helpful.
“Social media can be a very useful tool, and we encourage people to follow our account, and other official accounts to keep informed on what is taking place in our community,” she said.
Barrie police remind all residents to be cautious of their personal safety, at all times and encourage employees who are leaving their place of employment at night or during less busy times to use the buddy system. Be sure to park in well-lit areas and exercise vigilance when it comes to personal safety.
Suspicious behaviour can be reported to the Barrie police non-emergency line at 705-725-7025, but in the event of an emergency, call 911.
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