NORTH Wales Police have reminded residents only to dial 999 in a “genuine emergency” after receiving a number of unnecessary calls.
Last week, the force shared a call involving a man in Gwynedd, asking if police could help him get home after missing the last bus.
He said he did not want to wake his mum, who was working the next day.
North Wales Police said: “Unfortunately calls like this are a frequent occurrence in our Control Room.
“Despite common belief, the police are not a taxi service and needing a lift home is not a reasonable excuse to dial 999.
“This call lasted for 56 seconds; those seconds could mean the difference between life or death for someone in a genuine emergency.
“Calls like these delay our operators from answering those calls and dispatching an officer where they’re really needed.
“Please, think before you call. Don’t abuse the 999 line.”
READ MORE:
Rhyl boy, 14, guilty of six offences including criminal damage in Towyn
Gwynedd woman guilty of cocaine possession in Corwen to pay more than £300
Rhyl man guilty of cannabis possession in Llanddulas to pay nearly £300
Another such call saw a woman asking if North Wales Police could send officers to her house to help get her money back after being "ripped off" on Facebook Marketplace.
Sales on Facebook can sometimes go wrong. Whilst this caller does have a genuine reason to contact the Police, this is not a life-or-death situation. There are other ways you can contact us for non-emergency matters:
— North Wales Police (@NWPolice) October 30, 2022
📞 101
💻 Online#InternationalControlRoomWeek#ReduceDemand pic.twitter.com/5pT1IvfxFE
The force added: “Sales on Facebook can sometimes go wrong.
“Whilst this caller does have a genuine reason to contact the police, this is not a life-or-death situation.
“There are other ways you can contact us for non-emergency matters: 101 or online.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here