A few members of the public have called the 999 emergency number recently for reasons that are not an emergency.

Not surprisingly, this takes up valuable time and prevents our Control Room officers from picking up the phone to deal with real emergencies, where someone’s life or safety may be at risk.

Recently, for example, someone dialled 999 because their boiler was leaking.

Whilst this may be an emergency to them, this is not a police emergency.

Some other examples of calls to the 999 emergency number in recent weeks include: 

• Someone reporting a theft…of their cannabis!

• Someone not having credit and wanting us to transfer them to another number.

• Calling to inform us that you’ve lost your keys and want help breaking into your flat (call a locksmith, or if it is urgent, GFRS may be able to help).

• Asking who the duty pharmacy is (this is option 2 on the non-emergency number).

• To report that their computer had been hacked (it wasn’t, it just needed switching off and on again).

• To report a pigeon in distress (for birds/animals call Avian Control Unit on 200 66588 or Environment on 200 65964). 

• To ask if we have their passport. 

• To pay a Court fine. If you have a warrant for failing to make payment, come up to NMH and this can be sorted. If it is issued by the Court, go to Court to pay it. If it’s a fine issued by a Parking Management Officer go to Gibraltar Car Parks Ltd, next to the Post Office, opposite Mid Harbours, to go and pay it. 

• Persons calling us to enquire if an adult is in our Custody, we cannot disclose this information due to Data Protection. If an arrested person wants you to be informed that they are in custody, we will do so. If the person is a juvenile and you are their parent or guardian, we will call you.

Of course, in genuine emergencies, always call 999 and we’ll be happy to help. 

It’s worth noting that we only have two controllers in our Control Room at anyone time – so if you can’t get through on the non-emergency number, try again, as this means that they are already dealing with a call. 

In short, if we receive fewer calls like the ones mentioned above, we have more time to answer genuine calls.

For minor enquiries such as lost property, you can call our Reception directly on 200 47862 or email GeneralEnquiries@royalgib.police.gi

But for non-emergencies you can call 200 72500, report crimes online at www.police.gi/report-online or visit New Mole House Police Station.

Please note, the Reception is monitored by our civilian staff during office hours only, which are 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 2.30pm on Fridays.

We hope this information has been useful!