Four false bomb threats cause disruption to emergency services in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif.– Four false bomb threats throughout the county have been reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department.

SBPD responded to three threats on Thursday at The Notre Dame School, EF International Language School, and the police department itself. Officers then received another call to the EF International Language School again on Friday.

Santa Barbara Police conducted searches at each location but found no bombs or explosive devices in the area. It is unclear the exact locations targeted in each false report, but necessary road closures and teams were deployed causing traffic in some areas in the county.

SBPD believe there are no credible threat to the community and want to remind the public fake or prank emergency calls put first responder safety at-risk, tie up emergency resources for credible threats, and is illegal.

Law enforcement is also aware Santa Barbara County is not the only county reporting a series of false emergency calls.

The police continue to investigate all false threats and urge anyone with information to call the Santa Barbara Police Department at 805-882-8900.