IDIOTS are clogging up the 999 system with stupid calls.
Police have once again urged people to use the emergency phone number sensibly as delays dealing with the fools could lead to problems answering genuine calls.
Now police are getting tough.
West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable David Crompton said: “People who continue to intentionally abuse the system will be dealt with, either through the court system or, in extreme cases, by us barring the 999 number on their mobile phones.”
Timewasting calls include:
A woman reporting water leaking through her ceiling from a faulty toilet in her house. After being advised to ring for a plumber she rang back 30 minutes later with same complaint and said she couldn't ring anyone else as she had no remaining credit on her phone.
A man asking police to trace a phone number he had mistakenly deleted from his phone as he thought it may be for a job interview.
A man seeking a refund from a shop about a damaged mirror.
A man wanting advice after a BT operator had refused to put him through to an ex- directory number.
A woman complaining that her daughter had locked herself in the toilet and mother needed to use it.
A man complaining that his neighbour has not cut the grass in his front garden.
West Yorkshire Police receive half a million 999 calls every year – and many aren’t emergencies at all.
Mr Crompton said: “Every non-emergency call received via 999 hinders our ability to deal with genuine emergencies. While we are responding well the call volume is increasing and creating a growing problem.
“Non-emergency 999s range from misguided people who aren’t really sure which number to use, to nuisance calls and calls which are obviously inappropriate.’’
The 999 number should only be used when:
People have been hurt in a road accident.
A crime such as a robbery, burglary or attack is happening.
Life is in immediate danger.
Otherwise people should use the non- emergency number 0845 6060606.
Examples as to when to use this include if you find your car has been broken into and the offenders have gone or you have been attacked but are now safe.
Mr Crompton added: “About 70% of 999 calls are answered within the 10-second target time. But to sustain the good service we provide we must cut out the non-emergency calls.
“All we want people to do is think before they ring. Is this call urgent? Is it even for the police or would the local council or another agency be more appropriate?
“Day-to-day contact and advice is available at ground level from your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. They are there to sort out your local problems” said Mr Crompton.
Find out who they are and where to contact them through your local police station or on the web at :
www.westyorkshirepolice.uk/npt
