Spider 999 call leads to warning

A resident called police about a spider in her living room

A resident dialling 999 to say they had a spider in their room was just one of 19,000 "inappropriate" calls Surrey police received in a 12-month period.

The force said 11% of the 179,342 emergency calls made between 2006 and 2007 did not require a police response.

It revealed that one woman asked officers to turn her water back on and another rang because she was having trouble with her mobile phone.

Surrey Police said this inappropriate use of the 999 system risked lives.

The force said people also called 999 to ask for beer or order a taxi.

Lost dogs

Supt Sue Lampard said: "The 999 system is there for people who are in genuine emergency situations and need assistance.

"By misusing it you are tying up emergency lines and preventing other people from getting through.

"Ultimately this could end up costing someone their life. We are asking the public to act responsibly and only call 999 for the right reasons."

The force said 6,000 of the inappropriate calls were from people complaining about noisy neighbours and lost dogs.

It has redesigned its website to give more advice and answer common queries.