Overview
- In data for July 2024 to July 2025, more than 4 million incidents were reported to the Met, including over 2.2 million via 999, with only 15% needing immediate dispatch.
- Abandoned calls accounted for 22% of 999 calls and ‘contact record’ queries for 21%, with around 88% and 97% of those respectively requiring no police response.
- The Met says each abandoned 999 call triggers a follow‑up risk assessment of about 15 minutes, and urges anyone who calls by mistake to stay on the line.
- Officials cite common misuses such as requests for crime updates, delayed theft reports, civil disputes, and trivial issues like delivery problems, a spider, or a dog refusing to return indoors.
- Guidance reiterates that 999 is for crimes in progress, threats to life, or immediate danger, with non‑emergencies directed to 101 or online reporting.