Cambridgeshire Police are asking the public to help ease pressure on emergency phone lines by reporting non-urgent matters online, after seeing a sharp rise in 999 and 101 calls since the start of July.
The force reports a 12% increase in 999 calls and a 5% rise in 101 calls compared to June — with recent daily call volumes exceeding those typically seen on New Year’s Eve, one of the busiest days of the year for police.
Superintendent Nick Church, Head of Demand at Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said the recent spell of hot weather has driven a dramatic rise in demand.
“Since the beginning of July, we’ve received an average of 497 calls to 999 every day – almost 100 more than we were getting back in April,” he said.
“This presents a real challenge, and we’re asking the public to support us by only calling 999 for emergencies and using our online services for anything non-urgent.”
Police are reminding residents that their online reporting system is fast, effective, and reviewed by trained staff in the same way as 101 calls. Reports made online are followed up with a crime reference number, allowing people to get on with their day without sitting in a queue.
When should I use 999?
You should only dial 999 if:
- Someone’s life is in danger
- A crime is in progress
- There’s immediate risk of violence or serious harm
For everything else, go online
Non-emergency reports can be made at:
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