The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is asking the public not to share unverified information about missing people or alleged kidnappings, warning that false claims can cause panic and make police investigations harder.
In a statement on Wednesday, police said there have been concerns spreading on social media and messaging apps about missing people, attempted kidnappings, and other incidents. The RSLPF stressed that information should only be considered true if police have confirmed it.
The warning comes as police provided an update on recent missing persons cases. Between August 1 and September 14, the RSLPF received 11 reports. Police resolved nine cases after the individuals returned safely, while 59-year-old James Hunter Noel, also known as “Ti Jame,” of Fond Joyeux, Vieux Fort, remains missing.
Police also confirmed that the body found along the Millennium Highway on September 11 was 21-year-old Merissa Auguste. She had been reported missing the day before.
A post-mortem on September 14 showed that Auguste died from strangulation. Two people are now in police custody, helping the Major Crimes Unit with the investigation.
Meanwhile, the RSLPF said it had seen unverified voice notes, exaggerated claims and information falsely attributed to the police circulating in recent days.
Police say that spreading false information can cause fear, put people at risk and harm ongoing investigations. They urge the public to check with police before sharing information and not to confront anyone based on online claims.
The RSLPF also said some online messages could break the law under the Computer Misuse Act, and warned legal action may be taken if there is proof of a violation.
Police are encouraging anyone with genuine information about crimes or suspicious activity to report it through official channels, including the Crime Hotline at 555.
