Summer demand sees 999 calls surge

Summer is a busy period across the country for the force, and officers are currently seeing an increase in both 999 and 101 calls.
In June of this year, Wiltshire Police recorded over 12,000 incident logs, a 7.4 percent increase compared to the previous year, with a 9.1 percent increase on 999 call volumes.
Saturday 27 June saw 578 calls to 999, the highest volume of 999 calls in a 24-hour period on record, with factors including the heat, World Cup matches and large community gatherings adding to this number.
As the summer continues, the police say there are ways in chich the public can help to reduce the demand on the control room so those most in need of help get it as quickly as possible:
- Only call 999 if there is an immediate danger or threat, a crime is happening at that time, or you see something that needs immediate action.
- For non-emergencies, these can be reported online at https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/ro/report/ or in person at one of the stations. 
- Stations with front counters that are open to the public can be found at https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/police-forces/wiltshire-police/areas/about-us/local-policing-in-wiltshire/
- For an update on a case, contact the officer directly, or visit https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contact-us/id-like-to-request-an-update-on-a-crime-report-i-have-a-crime-number/ to get an update
- Visit the advice and information section on the website for helpful guidance including what cases should be reported to the police and what should be referred to other agencies:  https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/
Chief Superintendent Guy Elkins said: “We have seen an unprecedented number of calls recently, and we want to ensure that those in need can get hold of us.
"By reporting non-emergencies online, this can help to free up 101 lines for those who are not able to use the online reporting service. 
"Our online reports are handled by the same operators as our calls, so will still be reviewed promptly and with the same care and attention.”
 

Subscribe to The Link