Devon and Cornwall Police Calls for Restraint on 999 Emergency Line as Non-Urgent Calls Surge

Devon and Cornwall Police has launched a public appeal to reduce misuse of the 999 emergency line, following data showing a sharp rise in non-urgent calls during one of the year's busiest periods. More than 31,000 calls reached 999 in June, yet only 3,473 resulted in an actual emergency deployment, prompting the force to remind the public of the distinction between emergency and non-emergency situations.

The Scale of the Problem

The South West police force recorded a 13% increase in 999 calls for June compared to the same month in the previous year. Demand has remained elevated since May and is expected to persist throughout the summer months due to warmer weather, major sporting events, and increased tourism to the region. Officers have highlighted that this surge places significant strain on call handlers and staff already managing genuine emergencies.

One recent call exemplified the issue: a person contacted 999 to report that their camera had been moved without permission. Call handlers reminded the caller that 999 is exclusively for situations involving immediate danger to life or crimes in progress. Such incidents illustrate the breadth of inappropriate contact reaching emergency services.

Broader Trend Across Forces

Devon and Cornwall Police is not alone in facing this challenge. Cambridgeshire Police received 1,427 hoax calls in a recent period, representing a 48% increase from 961 calls two years prior. That force received 740 hoax calls in the first five months of the year alone. Misuse of 999 services carries legal consequences, with penalties including up to six months imprisonment or a fine of £5,000.

Guidance for the Public

Staff commander Lucy Baillie emphasised that calling the 101 non-emergency line does not diminish the importance of a person's concern. She stated that issues may feel urgent to the caller but are not necessarily emergencies requiring immediate police presence. The force recommends using 101 for non-urgent matters, with a call-back service available to residents. Additionally, noise complaints and environmental concerns should be directed to relevant local authorities rather than emergency services.