Norfolk Police urge public to use 999 responsibly
Force highlights misuse of emergency number during International Control Room Week
Norfolk Police are reminding the public to only use 999 in genuine emergencies, after receiving over 12,000 calls to the number last month—some of which were inappropriate.
The warning comes during International Control Room Week (27 Oct – 2 Nov 2025), with the force sharing examples of recent misuse to raise awareness.
One caller asked for help finding a telephone number, while another phoned to ask female call handlers what they looked like.
Other non-emergency calls included: a man reporting broken reading glasses, a request for a lift home after a night out, teenagers pretending to be stuck in a phone box a man reporting landline issues and a woman reporting a power cut.
Superintendent Mark Joyce said: “Ringing 999 for inappropriate reasons can put lives at risk. Every minute our operators spend on the phone dealing with calls like these is a minute they can't help someone who needs urgent assistance.”
He urged the public to use 999 only in life-threatening situations or when a crime is in progress. For all other matters, people are encouraged to call 101, visit the Norfolk Police website, or use the live chat service.