News

Police warning over social media gossip

By Becky Barnes
November 23, 2012

Bracknell's police chief has spoken about the danger of rumours on social networking sites.

Rumours on Facebook about a white van near schools around the borough prompted Chief Inspector Simon Bowden to warn people posting the claims or repeating them to be wary of what they say online.

Ch Insp Bowden said: “The trouble with Facebook is things get recycled.

“Or someone will see a white van near a school and post it online when in some cases it is just the caretakers’ van.”

He stressed any allegation reported to the police is taken seriously and they report any rumours to headteachers to make sure parents are informed.

Ch Insp Bowden said: “All reports are looked at very, very carefully. We do spend a lot of time on our own Facebook page to try to reduce rumours. Rumours are really hard to tackle because they spread so fast.”

Anyone with concerns can contact police on 101.

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Just saw a white van outside a council building... Terrorists?

Bruce Wayne
23/11/2012 at 10:53

This is what happens when technology is made available to the uneducated and terminally thick.

How many white vans are there in Bracknell - seeing as it is the vehicle of choice for a multitude of trades that serve our economy.

Have any of these dunces ever thought that a white van could be carrying out legitimate business and just happened to be in the vicinity of a school?

Believe me the fate of mankind will not rest with our anxiety over Iran having the bomb - it will be in the hands of social media being used by those with an IQ of a de-badged Corsa.

Oh my god - there's a white van outside my house. Quick, get me the commissioner!