A senior officer in the Metropolitan Police has urged the public to call 999 only in genuine emergencies.

The appeal comes as new figures reveal that, of the 4 million calls logged between July 2024 and July 2025, just 15% required an immediate police response.
Non-emergency calls included matters such as lost property, minor domestic issues, landlord-tenant disputes amongst other situations that do not require urgent police intervention. Commander Caroline Haines, who heads the Met’s Command and Control Unit, said:
"When someone’s life is in danger, or a crime is being committed, every second counts. Unfortunately, too many people call 999 for matters that are not emergencies or for issues that the police do not handle."

The Met reports that abandoned calls make up the largest portion of 999 calls, with each requiring about 15 minutes for follow-up checks.

Contact record calls, which involve providing additional information about a previously reported crime or requesting a crime reference number are the second most common type. Between 88% and 97% of these calls respectively do not require an immediate police response.
"Every unnecessary call can delay help for someone in genuine danger," Commander Haines added. "Let’s keep 999 free for those who truly need it."

The Metropolitan Police emphasize that 999 should always be dialled when a crime is in
progress, when life is at risk, or when someone is in immediate danger. For non-urgent matters, reporting a crime, or seeking advice, the public is encouraged to use 101, the UK’s non-emergency number.