"A waste of our resources": Offaly Gardai issue warning over AI break-in prank

Gardai in Laois/Offaly have issued an appeal for people not to engage in an artificial intelligence (AI) prank which it said is leading to bogus reports of burglaries at people's homes.

In a social media message, Gardai said the "trending" prank involves loved ones being sent an AI-generated image of a home intruder.

"Already on a number of occasions this has resulted in the emergency deployment of Gardaí to an ultimately hoax report of burglary," stated the Garda post.

"This represents a waste of valuable Garda resources and diverts from genuine emergency calls which require a response.

"There is a risk that legitimate emergency calls will not receive the necessary urgent attention, which poses serious safety concerns for those who need our immediate assistance."

In conclusion, the Gardai said: "We urge everyone not to engage in this prank and to consider the consequences that may result from such activity."