Within a two week period, police call handlers recorded 31 hoax calls to 999. Sadly, this means that the response to genuine emergencies is delayed as operators are tied up dealing with the inappropriate calls. 

999 should only be called when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.

We urge you to educate young children about the serious dangers of making a hoax call. Misuse of 999 and hoax calls are a criminal offence which could result in a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine of £5,000.

If you need to report a crime, ask operators for advice or report someone you know hoax calling police, you can do so through the police 24/7 web chat service