The Crime Agents What really happens when someone calls 999?
Nov 19, 2025
Discover the shocking statistics on genuine 999 calls in the UK. Andy and Neil share hilarious clips of bizarre calls, from missing food to spider emergencies. They dive into the chaos of emergency response rooms, detailing how calls are triaged and the pressure on officers. Hear gripping anecdotes from Neil's career, revealing the emotional challenges faced by response cops. They also explore the consequences of hoax calls and discuss the impact of social media on police morale. This insightful discussion blends humor with critical issues in emergency response.
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Most 999 Calls Aren't Emergencies
- Only a small fraction of 999 calls are genuine emergencies and many are trivial.
- Neil Basu and Andy Hughes warn that these nonsense calls strain resources and delay lifesaving responses.
Caller Phoned 999 Over Electric Car Plug
- Callers ring 999 for non-crimes like being unable to remove an electric car charging lead.
- The call handler repeatedly tells the caller to contact the dealer because it's not a police emergency.
Food Delivery Problems Called Into 999
- Multiple callers reported delivery or food disputes to 999, including KFC and Uber Eats issues.
- Call handlers consistently classify these as misuse and redirect callers to the delivery company.