Stolen Ice and Sea Smells: Police Urge Public to Make the Right Call

Devon and Cornwall Police are urging the public to think twice before dialling 999, following a surge in inappropriate and accidental calls that have put pressure on their emergency response teams. Recent examples include complaints about the smell of the sea near a beach, stolen ice from a drink, and someone claiming to be trapped in a jumpsuit.

On an average day, police call handlers in Devon and Cornwall deal with 859 emergency calls and 1,195 non-emergency calls. However, these figures soar during the summer months, when millions of visitors flock to the region for their holidays.

Accidental and Inappropriate Calls Tie Up Resources

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper explained that the force understands some calls are made by accident. When this happens, she advised callers not to hang up but to stay on the line and explain the mistake. “We will understand,” she said, noting that every call made to 999 is investigated, even when the caller hangs up. This process can take up to 20 minutes to resolve, a significant drain on resources.

“Staying on the line means we can make sure you are ok in a fraction of the time, freeing up our staff to answer more calls and help more people,” ACC Leaper continued.

Who Should You Call?

Beyond accidental calls, the force is also grappling with a high volume of calls that should be directed to other agencies. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a campaign to educate the public on who to contact in various non-emergency scenarios.

For example, abandoned cars and antisocial parking should be reported to the local council, while untaxed vehicles should be reported to the DVLA. Lost or found dogs are the responsibility of the dog warden, and noisy neighbours should be reported to the local council’s environmental health team.

For minor traffic collisions, there is no need to contact the police, provided all parties have exchanged details.

By ensuring the first call is made to the correct organisation, the public can help resolve their issues more quickly and allow the police to focus on urgent matters that keep communities safe.

For those unsure of whom to contact, the Devon and Cornwall Police website offers guidance under the ‘report’ tab, helping the public navigate various situations.

The Importance of Making the Right Call

The message from Devon and Cornwall Police is clear: making the right call can make all the difference. Whether it’s an emergency or a non-urgent issue, the correct approach ensures that police resources are used effectively, keeping the focus on genuine emergencies and community safety.