"Met police figures show that between July 2024 and July 2025, over 2.2 million calls were made to the 999 number, but only 15% required immediate dispatch by the emergency service to a genuine "urgent or life-threatening situation". The 999 service is intended for calls when a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, or there is a risk to life."
"However, in the past year, Met call handlers have been contacted by people frustrated by their delivery drivers not turning up, by someone who had a spider in their room, and, in one instance, by someone whose dog was not coming back into the house. Bad dog. Worse human. They also estimate that around 22% of calls are accidental dials where the caller hangs up. However, those are almost worse, as the 999 dispatch team has to spend time undertaking a risk assessment."
"As embarrassing as an accidental dial to 999 is, the dispatchers will probably be happier if you stay on the call and apologise for the accidental dial, as it means they don't need to call back and check everything is fine. One area where there can be more understanding is the fifth of calls where people are asking for routine information about a previously reported crime."
Over a one-year period, more than 2.2 million calls were made to 999 in the Met area, with only 15% requiring immediate emergency dispatch for urgent or life‑threatening situations. The 999 line is for crimes in progress, immediate danger, or life‑risk scenarios. Many callers use 999 for non-emergencies such as late deliveries, minor household pests, or lost pets. About 22% of calls are accidental hang-ups, which force risk assessments. Dispatchers prefer callers to stay on the line and explain accidental dials. Around 20% of calls seek routine updates on prior reports, suggesting public difficulty accessing non-emergency police contact channels.
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