COMPLAINTS about the custody of a hamster, the seasoning of a burger and an overly amorous dog are just some of the reasons police have been called.
One man who called asked police to get his pet rodent back from his ex-partner and a woman rang to after complain she had been served a burger with too many spices on it.
There have also been reports asking police to come and catch a spider, a woman who claimed she had been overcharged at a supermarket and one person even called to report an overly friendly dog.
Northumbria Police’s Chief Superintendent Sav Patsalos said the current number of inappropriate calls is down to a lack of information about the service rather than the public misusing it.
Chief Supt Patsalos, head of the force communication centres, said: “We frequently get 101 calls about non-police issues like fly tipping, nuisance parking and animal cruelty when the local authority or the RSPCA is the best place to go.
“These calls to our 101 service mean our call handlers act as a referral service rather than being able to help those in need.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel