A massive police callout in South Otago sparked by a hoax 111 call, involving allegations of serious child abuse, cost at least $10,000.
Shortly before midnight on Friday the police communications centre received a call from a woman who claimed to have witnessed two young children being assaulted by their parents earlier that evening.
The woman also alleged there were alcohol, drugs, and an insecure firearm at the Inch Clutha property, before hanging up, Acting Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Balclutha, said.
That call prompted the Dunedin armed offenders squad, the police negotiation team, two dog units, and five staff from Balclutha, Clinton and Milton to attend the incident, along with ambulance staff and a Child Youth and Family worker.
Five hours later it was revealed the call - made by an unemployed Wanaka woman from a landline phone - was malicious.
The callout would have cost at least $10,000, Acting Sgt Dinnissen said.
Wanaka police had talked to the woman and she had admitted the call was not true, he said.
It was rare for emergency services to receive a call at "this level of reported alleged offence".
Acting Sgt Dinnissen told the Otago Daily Times the call tied up more than 20 police and ambulance personnel for five hours.
It was "more than likely" the 34-year-old woman would face charges of making a false statement, he said.
Police were investigating if the woman was responsible for previous anonymous calls connected with the Inch Clutha address, although one of those callers sounded like a male, he said.
He confirmed the woman had a "family type relationship" with the people at the Inch Clutha property, and used to live in the area.
The people at the property were not involved in any wrongdoing, he said.
Additional reporting NZPA
