Emergency Services Urge Public to Stop Dangerous Hoax Calls

Emergency services are issuing a serious reminder to the public following a concerning rise in the number of hoax calls received in recent months.

These false calls not only waste valuable time and resources but also have the potential to put lives at risk by diverting emergency services away from genuine incidents.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Control Room Station Manager Kim McLuckie said “Hoax calls are not harmless pranks, they are illegal and dangerous. Every second counts in an emergency and a hoax call could delay help to someone in real need.”

Making a deliberate hoax call to emergency services is a criminal offence. Offenders could face prosecution with penalties including a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison. Emergency services also have the power to request the disconnection of phones used to make repeated hoax calls.

We are urging everyone to think twice before making a hoax call and to help spread awareness about the serious consequences of such actions.