Dorset Police are appealing to the public to only dial the 999 number for genuine emergencies following an influx of non-emergency calls being made.
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 the Police 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 the Police 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.
Chief Superintendent Howe continued “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 crime in progress or danger to life. To provide information in a non-emergency situation call 101 or visit the Dorset Police website: https://www.dorset.police.uk/
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