Devon and Cornwall police have revealed some of the most inappropriate and time-wasting calls they've received over the past few weeks. They're highlighting them, as they ask the public to think before dialling the 101 number.
Police say someone rang them to ask if an officer could catch their escaped pet budgie .... another caller complained that public toilets were closed, and someone else asked if it was illegal to urinate in their own garden.
And they say while these examples may raise a smile, they are unacceptable uses of the 101 number and increase waiting times for callers who do need help.
Over the next year the force will be introducing new technology and working practices to improve the 101 service - but they'll also be issuing guidelines on non-emergency situations which people shouldn't call the police about - they include noisy neighbours, abandoned cars and dangerous dogs.
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