999 Madness! Suffolk Police Slam Bizarre Emergency Calls
Suffolk Constabulary’s emergency line is clogged with ridiculous and pointless calls — and it’s putting real lives at risk. From debates over Jaffa Cakes to hospital lifts, the Contact and Control Room (CCR) staff have revealed the downright daft reasons some people dial 999.
Calls Surge as Silly Queries Swamp 999
Over the past year, 999 calls in Suffolk have jumped 14%, with forecasts suggesting a massive 40% rise for 2023 compared to two years ago. With summer holidays looming, daily calls could top 500, stretching resources dangerously thin.
Dodgy Calls That Drive Police Bonkers
The silly calls are piling up, wasting vital time better spent on emergencies. Here are some real examples of inappropriate 999 calls Suffolk police have received:
- Asking if you can have a BBQ in Christchurch Park
- Querying what they’ve been charged with after losing paperwork
- Requesting help to get into their own house after being locked out
- Looking for medical advice after failing to get help via 111
- Checking on someone in police custody
- Reporting abandoned vehicles that have been there for days or off-road
- Seeking incident numbers for previously reported crimes
- Asking for assistance to look after pets whose owners are in hospital
- Complaining about retailer disputes over kitchen appliances
- Asking for legal advice about power of attorney
- Requesting police lifts to hospital appointments
- Reporting non-recent collisions
- Reporting medical incidents already handled by ambulance services
Police Urge Common Sense on 999 Calls
Chief Inspector Shawn Wakeling said: “Many inappropriate calls aren’t made to be difficult — sometimes it’s panic or good intentions. But they tie up resources and slow down help for real emergencies.”
Every 999 call needs careful assessment. Taking minutes to sort out jokers or mistakes means crucial seconds lost for those in life-threatening situations.
Police Commissioner Tim Passmore puts it bluntly: “Know when to dial 999, and when to use 101, Live Chat, or the online reporting system. Every second counts in an emergency — don’t waste it.”
How to Get Help Without Dialling 999
- Report non-urgent crimes like anti-social behaviour, theft, or damage on the Suffolk Police website
- Use Live Chat weekdays 9am-5pm for advice and support – operators handle 100+ languages and assist hearing-impaired users
- Never hang up on accidental 999 calls; officials must treat them seriously and check your safety
Suffolk’s emergency lines are for real crises only. Stay smart, save lives. Don’t dial 999 unless it’s a genuine emergency.
