Man arrested for misusing 999 system

A man from Merseyside has been arrested for misuse of 999 system after calling police over 20 times.

At around 12.08am this morning (Tuesday 22 October), Cheshire Police call handlers received a call from a 32-year-old man, claiming he was fearing for his safety whilst at work and wanting officers to attend to take him home.

The caller refused to disclose why he felt unsafe and began being obstructive. As there was no sign of an emergency, no policing response was required and the call subsequently ended.

However, whilst on the phone, the man informed the call handler that he would continue to call. Over the course of the morning, he proceeded to call Cheshire Police a further three times.

The man continued to dial 999, being connected to Merseyside Police and making the same request. Again, there was no emergency and no policing presence required, and after a total of six calls, his number was blocked.

Cheshire Police officers later attended the location from where the calls were being made from, at a warehouse on Orion Boulevard, Great Sankey, and located the man.

His phone was searched, with call log data revealing that he had made 26 emergency calls starting at 11pm the previous evening and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misuse of the 999 system.

He remains in custody at this time.

Chief Inspector Daniel Reynolds, of the Constabulary's Force Control Centre, said:

“Our call handlers are here to play a vital role in the receipt of emergency calls from the public needing our help; by making repeat calls to 999 it takes our call handlers' attention away from genuine emergencies and people in need.

“Be under no illusion, the misuse of 999 and hoax calls are a criminal offence and if found guilty, you could face up to six months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine.”