Devon and Cornwall Police urge public to curb non‑emergency 999 calls

In June 2026 Devon and Cornwall Police recorded more than 31,000 calls to the emergency number 999, a rise of about 13 % compared with the same month in the previous year. Only 3,473 of those calls resulted in an emergency deployment, meaning roughly three‑quarters were non‑urgent.

Police staff commander Lucy Baillie and Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez urged residents to reserve 999 for genuine emergencies – situations involving immediate risk to life, ongoing crimes or urgent police attendance – and to use the non‑emergency 101 line, the online reporting portal or other agencies for matters such as noise complaints, parking issues or fly‑tipping. The force highlighted that the summer surge in tourism, warmer weather and major sporting events is putting additional pressure on call handlers, and that unnecessary 999 calls can delay help for those in real danger.

The police also reminded callers that the 101 service offers a call‑back option and emphasized the importance of choosing the correct contact method to keep resources focused on urgent incidents.