Pair handed CPWs for misusing 999

Two people who persistently abused the 999 system have been handed Community Protection Warnings (CPWs).

The man and woman, both from Ferryhill, were served with the warnings on Monday (July 28) after repeatedly abusing the force’s Live Chat, 101 and 999 lines.

The pair would make false reports, diverting time and resources away from people in genuine need.

At one point they also tried to impersonate a police officer.

Both have been given conditions to only contact the force in a genuine emergency and face a fine of up to £2,500 and a criminal conviction if they breach their conditions.

A/Sergeant Craig McGuire, of Ferryhill Neighbourhood Police Team, served the notices and said: “Misuse of the Live Chat and force numbers by making false allegations puts extra pressure on already busy force control room staff answering these calls and can divert officers from attending genuine emergencies.

“We will not tolerate those who abuse these facilities which is why the notices have been served.”