April Fool`s pranks reduced

Annual April Fool`s Day mischief has been on a steady decrease over the last few years.

Fake 119 emergency calls made on April 1 fell from 68 cases in 2002, to 30 in 2003, 25 in 2004, two in 2006, and 10 in 2007, according to the Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters Department yesterday.

Last year`s record, though not precise, is expected to be similar to that of 2007, according to officials.

"We have actively promoted the campaign on the consequences of mischievous phone calls, stressing that such calls may be traced," said an official of the fire department.

A prank caller may be charged with a maximum fine of 2 million won ($1,483), according to the fire fighting law.

The police are also being relieved of false reports.

Fake crime report phone calls constituted 11,530 or 0.16 percent among 7.01 million cases, showing a fall from 0.2 percent in 2004 and 0.17 percent in 2006, according to the National Police Agency.

"The general number of prank calls has fallen, proving our educational campaigns to be effective," said an official of the police agency.

A citizen may be fined, detained, or even handed down a criminal punishment for making fake calls to the police, according to the minor offenses law.

"Excessive mischief, such as threatening to blow up buildings and planes, may result in criminal indictment," said a police official. "Citizens need to be aware that their thoughtless actions may constitute disturbance of public peace and safety."

By Bae Hyun-jung



(tellme@heraldm.com)