999 should only be used when:

• there is a danger to life or risk of injury being caused, such as a serious road accident or assault
• a crime is in progress, such as a robbery, burglary or theft, and the offender is still on the scene or has only just left the area
• the immediate attendance of a police officer is necessary - such as where someone is acting suspiciously and obviously about to commit a crime.

Dialling 999 from a mobile phone

Callers who use mobile phones to dial 999 should be aware that due to the different base stations used by phone companies, the call may be answered by a police operator in another part of the country. If you have to make an emergency call from a mobile phone please tell the operator immediately where you are phoning from so that your call is dealt with by the appropriate police force.