Chatham-Kent police are warning the public against swatting.
Swatting is a criminal act of deceiving an emergency service into sending a police or emergency service response team to another person's address.
Police said they responded to false reports of weapons at John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham on Monday and again on Wednesday.
Two female youths were identified as the individuals responsible and have been referred to a youth diversion program, according to police.
Chatham-Kent police and the Lambton-Kent District School Board strongly urge individuals to consider the severe consequences of swatting and to avoid participating in that type of behaviour.
They noted that swatting disrupts the normal functioning of emergency services, diverts crucial resources away from real emergencies, and is dangerous.
"These mischievous acts put lives at risk and can have far-reaching consequences for both the victims and the perpetrators," said police in a news release on Thursday afternoon. "It is important to recognize that such actions are considered extremely serious and will not be tolerated."
Police encourage the reporting of any suspicious activity by contacting the Chatham-Kent Police Service at 519-352-1234.
