NEW technology is ringing the changes, with a police force answering most 999 calls the second they are made.

Last year, Cleveland Police picked up just above 80 percent of emergency calls within the designated ten second time frame.

Now, because of investment and despite a record number of calls, 95 per cent are being received on average within one second - eight times faster than last September.

There were 25,658 emergency calls between July and September last year, a total which shot up to 27,713 over the same period this year.

Superintendent Gary Clarke of Cleveland Police, said: "The improvements which have come are down to the staff. They have a lot to be proud of."

There were 57,187 non-emergency calls between July and September last year, increasing to 70,175 this year.

Last year, it took on average almost 35 seconds to answer each non-emergency call. This summer, the average was less than four seconds.

Even so, Supt Clarke appealed to people to use common sense and consider before dialling if the call is really necessary. Police still receive calls from people locked out of their house or car, or who are lost.

Supt Clarke said: "These calls may sound funny but people should realise they take up time and could delay a genuine emergency."