POLICE are urging the public to use the right contact method after a sharp rise in 999 calls put pressure on emergency services.

The force received more than 31,000 999 calls in June, an increase of almost 13 per cent compared with June 2025.

Of these, just 3,473 resulted in an emergency response, meaning around 75 per cent did not require an emergency deployment.

Police say demand has remained high since May and is expected to continue throughout the summer due to a combination of warmer weather, major sporting events and increased tourism.

The public is being asked to help officers and staff respond quickly to those who need urgent assistance by only using 999 for genuine emergencies and choosing alternative routes for non-urgent matters.

Police Staff Commander Lucy Baillie said: ‘We are asking the public to help us keep police services available for those who need them most by using the right contact method for the right situation.

‘Please only call 999 in a genuine emergency – when there is an immediate threat to life, a crime is in progress, or urgent police attendance is required.

‘For non-emergency matters, there are a number of alternatives available, including reporting incidents online through our website, visiting a local police front office, or contacting us via 101.

‘Callers to 101 can also take advantage of our call-back service, which allows them to keep their place in the queue without having to remain on hold’.

Commander Baillie also encouraged people to consider whether their issue required police involvement, highlighting that some concerns are better handled by other organisations.

‘We would also encourage people to consider whether their issue is a police matter’, she said.

‘Concerns such as noise complaints, fly-tipping, parking issues and many housing matters are often the responsibility of local councils or other agencies’.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez praised the work of control room and contact centre staff, who she said continue to make vital decisions about how resources are deployed.

‘Our contact centre and control room staff work tirelessly behind the scenes, answering hundreds of calls every day, assessing risk and making crucial decisions to ensure officers are deployed where they are needed most urgently’, she said.

‘They are often the first point of contact for people in distress and play a vital role in keeping our communities safe’.

She added that every unnecessary 999 call can affect the ability of emergency services to respond to people facing serious situations.

‘Every unnecessary 999 call can delay help reaching someone facing a genuine emergency’, she said.

‘That is why I am encouraging everyone to use the appropriate method to get the help they need’.

Police warned that incorrect use of emergency services can result in longer waiting times, delayed responses and additional pressure on officers and call handlers.

Residents are being reminded to:

• Call 999 only when there is an immediate threat to life, a crime in progress or an urgent need for police attendance;

• Report non-urgent incidents online or through 101;

• Use the 101 call-back service where available;

• Contact the correct organisation for issues such as noise complaints, fly-tipping, parking concerns, housing disputes or environmental matters;

• Provide clear and accurate information when reporting incidents. .