At a glance
• The Metropolitan Police has revealed that only 15% of the four million 999 calls this year were genuine emergencies, with many people misusing the service for trivial issues
• Callers reported problems such as missing Uber Eats deliveries, disputes over KFC orders, stuck car chargers, uncooperative pets and landlord-tenant arguments
• The force warned that such calls waste vital time and delay help for real emergencies, urging the public to use alternative contact methods and keep 999 for genuine situations
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.
A woman was “frustrated” because an accident caused an hour of standstill traffic on the A406 North Circular Road.
The Met warned these non-emergency calls are taking up valuable time and stopping handlers from dealing with genuine requests.
In the year to July, just 15 per cent of four million calls received were genuine emergencies.
Commander Caroline Haines said: “When someone’s life is in danger, or a crime is being committed, seconds count.
“Unfortunately, too many people call 999 for things that simply aren’t an emergency or a matter for police.
“These calls could mean someone who is in genuine need and danger must wait longer to get the help they urgently need.
“That is why we’re running a campaign to remind the public of the other ways they can contact us, so we can focus on keeping London safe.
“Let’s keep 999 free for those who genuinely need it.”
