Cobourg Police Service board chair Adam Bureau is speaking out following two swatting incidents at local schools earlier this week. The incidents at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and C.R. Gummow Public School prompted lockdowns and large emergency responses.
Police say both situations were cleared with no weapons found and no injuries reported. Investigators believe the calls were linked and originated from an overseas phone number.
Bureau says while no one was hurt, the incidents were serious and required a full emergency response. He thanked Cobourg police and fire services for their swift and coordinated actions in ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Bureau also recognized school staff at both locations, noting their quick response and adherence to safety protocols during the incidents. Police define swatting as deliberately making false reports to trigger a large scale emergency response, which can divert critical resources.
Bureau says incidents like these place unnecessary strain on emergency services and can impact response to real emergencies. He says the Cobourg Police Service is continuing its investigation and is working diligently to identify those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
