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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an important story making headlines around the province. Tonight: the growing problem of prank 911 callers sending cops to fake emergencies.

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: A surge in "swatting" calls.

Police forces across the province are dealing with a concerning trend: hoax 911 calls that dispatch heavily armed officers to a fake emergency.

Known as "swatting," the prank usually involves reports of extremely serious crimes, including bomb threats, murders and hostage situations.

SEE: 'I thought it was a joke': Cambridge family falls victim to swatting calls

How prevalent is the problem? In Cambridge, one woman has been on the receiving end of a swat call twice in the past two months.

"I heard a very loud banging on the front door, loud enough to almost kick the door in," the woman said. "I went out and I was surrounded by a S.W.A.T. team with all of their rifles and guns pointed at me."

CambridgeToday reporter Matt Betts joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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