Babies left at roadside just internet hoax, say police

Police were alerted to the rumours by a number of concerned members of the public on Wednesday night. Photo / File

Police are quashing rumours circulating on social media that thieves have been leaving babies beside Rotorua roads to trick people into getting out of their cars.

Bay of Plenty police yesterday issued a statement saying they had a number of messages about a warning circulating on Facebook, which claimed gangs and thieves were using a variety of dramatic methods to get people to stop their vehicle and get out.

But the warning was a hoax. Police said there had been no such incidents.

Police district communications manager Kim Perks said it was not clear who started the hoax.

"A variety of different 'urban myths' are circulated from time to time. This particular one has been circulating on and off over a number of years and across a number of different countries. The content remains the same but the location is altered," she said.

Mrs Perks said police were alerted to the rumours by a number of concerned members of the public on Wednesday night.

"We are pleased that a number of people checked with us on this occasion, making us aware that it was circulating and enabling us to notify the public that it lacks any credibility."

She said if police had a warning to issue to the public they would do so proactively through official channels such as the police website, police social media and traditional media. If someone sees a police warning somewhere other than these formal channels, she advised them to check its authenticity before sharing it.

Mrs Perks said police were concerned the hoax would affect people's perceptions of safety around Rotorua.

But locals had nothing to fear as the rumours were just that - rumours, she said.

Earlier this month, a similar hoax caught people's attention in Rotorua. Rumours of a lion escaping from Rotorua's Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park swirled on social media, leading to calls to the tourist attraction by the Rotorua District Council and concerned citizens.

Again, the rumours were untrue.