Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin yesterday warned that serious action would be taken against anyone found guilty of making false reports of abductions.

"Where we can prove that somebody deliberately led us astray, we have to take serious action," Lewin said while speaking at a press conference held at the Police Officers' Club in St Andrew.

The police chief, however, stressed that all necessary investigations would be carried out to determine whether the report was false.

"Even if we hear a rumour, it has to be investigated," he said.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner is urging the public to remain calm, amid increased fears about abductions and rapes. Lewin said there was no need for the increased concerns because the number of cases has, in fact, dropped.

Latest crime statistics show that there have been 57 reported abductions and more than 600 rape cases since January.