The Met Police Contact Centre has asked people to think before they dial 999 after a male called the emergency line in order to report the fact that an ATM was not working.
A spokesperson for the contact centre said:
“Just one of the inappropriate calls taken earlier today from a 999 operator:
“Guv, there’s a problem, the ATM won’t take my pin number, the staff state that the machine isn’t working”.
This call highlights the very real problem of people using the 999 system inappropriately – a worrying trend that could be putting lives at risk.
We even have a dedicated section on our website that highlights the issue and catalogues some of the most ridiculous 999 calls made to police, ambulance and fire control rooms around the country.
As each control room has a limited number of lines coming into their hubs, when someone makes an inappropriate or hoax 999 call then they could be taking up a line that might be needed by someone who is genuinely in need of emergency help.
If you have a story, video or one-off blog that you would like to share with us, then you can contact our team of former emergency services & armed forces personnel either through our Facebook page, via Twitter ( @ES_News_ ) or you can contact us via email: contact@emergency-services.news or call us on: 0115 888 0592
If you run or manage a ‘job’ social media account and you would like us to share one of your stories then send us a tweet or a message!
If you would like to write an article that you would like us to share (it can be about anything to do with the emergency services / NHS) whether you serve in the emergency services / NHS or whether you are a member of the public who has had a good experience with the emergency services, then feel free to contact our team; anonymously if you prefer.
We are proud to act as a voice for the emergency services, armed forces & health service, with over 500,000 people visiting our website each month.
A neighbour called an ambulance for a cut finger too. Some people are too stupid to be allowed out alone.