Don’t Dial 999 for Out-of-Date Biscuits or Extra Saveloy!
Over two million calls flooded 999 in 2019 – but many weren’t emergencies. Shoppers ringing up about stale biscuits, extra chips, or even just to ask for the time are wasting police resources and putting lives at risk.
Met Police Share Eye-Opening Hoax Call Clips
The Met Police have released audio of bizarre 999 calls that reveal just how some people misuse the emergency line. Among the recorded gems:
- A woman complaining she got three saveloy and chips instead of one.
- A man calling just to ask the time.
- A caller moaning about a packet of out-of-date biscuits.
Chief Superintendent David Jackson blasted the prank callers:
“These calls might seem funny but they massively waste Met resources. Hoax calls block the emergency number, delaying help for genuine life-threatening situations and risking lives.”
Thousands of Hoax Calls Block Emergency Help
Between January and November 2019, the Met’s call centre handled more than 2.15 million 999 calls. Out of those, a staggering 25,448 were hoaxes—22,491 on 999 and 2,912 on 101, with the rest false alarms.
Jackson urged people to think twice: “999 is for emergencies only. Non-urgent police matters should be reported via 101, online at met.police.uk, or through Twitter @MetCC.”
Save the Line – Report Smells, Snacks, and Time Elsewhere
Next time your chips come with a free extra saveloy, or your biscuits have gone past their best, leave 999 alone. The emergency hotline is for people in real distress – not snack fussers or time checkers.
