Londoners dialled 999 over spiders in their room and missing KFC as force says just 15% of calls genuine

"Just one in seven of all 999 calls to the Metropolitan Police this year have been for genuine emergencies, the force has said. Scotland Yard released audio of a woman who called for help because a big spider was trapped in her hallway. When the operator asks if it was a joke, she replies: No, it is not. Oh my God. I am terrified of spiders."

"Another example of wasting resources was a man who reported his Uber Eats rider had arrived without his food. The handler responds: Why have you called the emergency services? The disgruntled customer replies: Because I'm trying to call Uber Eats, it's not allowing me. I have nobody else to call. A second man claimed he'd paid 13 for chicken at KFC in Harlesden and despite the money leaving his bank account staff are not giving me my food for no reason at all."

"When challenged over the reason for dialling 999, he says: Yeah, well, what choice have I got, mate? The operator hits back: I'm sorry it's not an emergency, to which the male concedes: I know, I know that, mate, but this is wrong, man. Others called because a charging lead on an electric car wouldn't disconnect, their dog refused to come back into their house, plus arguments between tenants and landlords."

Only 15% of four million 999 calls this year were genuine emergencies. Callers phoned about trivial matters including a large spider in a hallway, a missing Uber Eats delivery, a disputed KFC order, an electric car charging lead that would not disconnect, an uncooperative dog, and arguments between tenants and landlords. Call handlers recorded exchanges showing callers using 999 because they lacked other contact options for non-urgent problems. Non-emergency calls consume vital operator time and delay responses for real emergencies. The Metropolitan Police urged the public to use alternative contact methods and to reserve 999 for genuine emergency situations.

Read at www.standard.co.uk