Force appeals to public to only call 999 if there is a danger to life or crime in progress
Dorset Police is reminding the public to only call 999 if there is a crime in progress or danger to life after an influx of non-emergency calls being made to the emergency phone line.
In the last two weeks, the Force has faced increased demand levels with over 6,000 calls to 999, with a number of those calls not relating to an emergency, crime or even a police matter.
Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, of Dorset Police, said: “The Dorset Police Control Room has received several calls to 999 about incidents that are clearly not a police emergency.
“In the last week alone, we have received several calls from people who do not require an urgent police response. These have included people looking for a telephone number for a taxi, as well as someone at an allotment who was unable to move their car because someone had blocked them in. These calls are wasting valuable resources in our contact centres: officers and staff waiting to answer calls from those members of public who do urgently need our help.
“The 999-emergency phone line should remain as clear as possible to ensure we can quickly and efficiently respond to callers who may be in immediate danger or witnessing a crime.
“In non-emergency situations, the public can contact us by calling 101, by filling in an online form on the Dorset Police website, by reporting crime at police station enquiry offices or at one of our many community contact points.
“Anyone looking for an update to an ongoing investigation should only call us if something changes or if there is new information or intelligence to report.
“Dorset is a very popular place during the summer and is one of the safest areas in the country. I encourage you to care for each other and enjoy your time responsibly.
“Over the summer, we will be increasing patrols from uniformed officers at key locations throughout the county. Teams will be out in communities every day targeting offenders, preventing crime, problem solving, safeguarding the vulnerable, gathering intelligence and engaging with the public.”
Call 999 if there is a danger to life or crime in progress. To provide information in a non-emergency situation call 101 or visit the Dorset Police website: https://www.dorset.police.uk/