999? Can you rescue my hamster? AUDIO

POLICE are urging New Year revellers not to dial 999 if they want a taxi—even if they have run out of credit on their mobile phone or need help saving their pet hamster!

South Yorkshire Police have issued a plea to keep the lines free of non-emergency calls at a time which is traditionally one of their busiest periods of the year.

One force spokesman stated: “The only taxi service South Yorkshire Police is operating this festive period is a direct route to the cells at our convenience.”

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SYP want to make sure those in a genuine emergency are not left waiting by people misusing the 999 system.

Extra call handlers and additional police officers will be working to deal with the expected 1,500 emergency calls but police suspect the majority of those calls will not be for crimes in progress or situations where a life is at risk.

The recent adverse weather conditions have already seen the 999 system blocked with inappropriate calls, some real examples being:

  • Will the Snake Pass be open on Tuesday as I'm going on holiday?
  • My grit bin is empty, who fills it up?
  • I have a burst water pipe, who do I call to fix it?
  • There are some cars on my road, which I do not recognise and I think it is suspicious.
  • Can you tell me who to ring to clear the snow off my path or will the PCSOs come and do it?

The police spokesman added: “All officers and staff at South Yorkshire Police wish everyone a happy New Year but ask members of the public not to return the favour to the team at Atlas Court—the Force’s call centre.

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“If you are planning a night out, enjoy yourselves but don’t drink too much.  

“Book a taxi in advance and make sure you have credit on your phone.  

“Don’t even contemplate drinking and driving, as this costs lives and people’s livelihoods.”