Norfolk Police Urge Public to Reserve 999 for Genuine Emergencies

People are being urged to make the right call and only dial 999 in a genuine emergency after a significant increase in demand on the force’s control room. On Monday (29 June 2026) we received 1669 calls into our control room – that’s 40 percent more than the daily average for the previous month.

Despite the increased demand only 27% of 999 calls were actually genuine emergencies, meaning almost three out of every four emergency calls did not require an immediate police response. In the last 24 hours people have dialled 999 to report tenancy disputes, noise issues and even to let us know that a cow had walked into their garden from a neighbouring field.

Every unnecessary 999 call can delay help reaching someone who is in immediate danger and needs an urgent police response. A 999 call should always be made when: For everything else, people are encouraged to use our online reporting service, which is available 24 hours a day.

Online reporting is a quick and convenient way to report crimes that have already happened, or that are not urgent. If you are unable to report online, you can call 101 for non-emergencies.

Superintendent Sutherland Lane from the Norfolk Constabulary Contact and Control Room said, "Our control room is there to ensure help reaches those who need it most, as quickly as possible. "If your report does not relate to a crime in progress, an immediate threat to life, or someone who is at risk right now, please consider reporting it online or by calling 101 instead.

"Every non-emergency call to 999 takes time away from our trained call handlers and could delay support reaching someone in genuine need. "By choosing the most appropriate reporting route, you are helping us respond more quickly and effectively to those who need us most." Share