SINGAPORE - A 22-year-old woman is under investigation by the police for making a false report of theft.

The woman lodged a police report on Monday (Aug 8) morning, claiming that her sling bag was snatched at a Yishun Ring Road bus stop at 4am.

She told officers at Yishun North Neighbourhood Police Centre that various personal documents and $35 in cash were taken from her by an unknown man.

However, the police said in a press release that officers noticed numerous inconsistencies in her story and concluded that she had presented them with false information in her claim to be a victim of theft.

The police reminded the public that investigating false reports wastes police resources that could be spent handling real crimes and emergencies. Knowingly providing false information to a public servant carries a maximum penalty of one year's imprisonment and a fine of $5,000.