Man arrested following 21 repeat 999 calls

A man has been arrested following 21 repeat emergency calls to police.

A total of twenty-one 999 calls were made to Cheshire Constabulary’s Force Control Room – occurring between 10.11am to 1.44pm.

Officers were deployed and attended an address in the Middlewich Road area of Winsford.

A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of misuse of the 999 number. He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Service Delivery Manager of the Force Control Centre David McMahon said: “To make repeat calls to 999 is wholly inappropriate and takes our call handlers away from dealing with genuine emergencies.

“Call handlers are here to play a vital role in the receipt of emergency calls from the public needing our help.

“Misuse of 999 and hoax calls are a criminal offence and if found guilty, you could face up to six months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine.”

If you are a victim of crime you should contact Cheshire Police in the following ways:

• 999 if there is an immediate threat to life or property
• 101 for non-emergencies

You can also report other matters quickly and easily by visiting the force website: 

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/