It’s designed for non–emergency police incidents – but it seems many Brits are taking the mickey when it comes to calling 101.
The most ridiculous calls to the service have been revealed, and they range from the silly to the absurd.
One caller wanted Humberside Police to pick them up because they needed a lift, while another in Durham wanted to discuss the cost of electricity.
Meanwhile, one chancer in Nottinghamshire thought 101 would be the best option to report a lost umbrella.
In the hopes of dissuading these time–wasters, a new AI screening tool is being rolled out in the UK.
‘AI is already helping police catch dangerous criminals and speed up investigations,’ said Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones.
‘Now, it will help bring control rooms into the 21st century, freeing up time and unlocking millions of pounds.
‘Forces can reinvest those savings into tackling the crime on our streets.’
One caller wanted Humberside Police to pick them up because they needed a lift, while another in Durham wanted to discuss the cost of electricity (stock image)
Every year, the police’s non–emergency line, 101, receives around 20 million calls from the public.
While around a fifth of these calls are for non–policing organisations, such as NHS 111, many others are hugely misplaced.
On 28 July, one caller rang 101 to ask the Humberside Police to pick them up because they needed a lift.
That same day, someone wanted to talk to the Metropolitan Police about changing electricity provier.
On 29 July, a person called the line looking for help on whether a pension pot is tax-free from age 55.
And on 3 August, one resident in Hertfordshire thought 101 would be the best option to report a lost Oyster card.
Other rogue calls include a caller reporting that their pizza was taking longer to be delivered than expected, someone complaining about slow service at a pub, and one who even asked about what to do with their children during a school closure.
‘Police call handlers are wasting hours fielding calls meant for other organisations,’ said Ms Jones.
Every year, the police’s non–emergency line, 101, receives around 20 million calls from the public
‘Every minute spent on these calls is time taken away from helping people who genuinely need their support.’
To get rid of these time-wasters once and for all, a new AI system has been developed by the Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council, with delivery partner Vodafone Business.
When someone rings 101, the tool uses AI to understand the reason for their call.
If the call is intended for the police, the caller will be passed through.
However, if their call is for a non-police issue, they’ll be provided with the correct agency, before being asked if they’d like to accept or reject.
If the system is in any doubt, the call will still be passed through to the police.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Contact Operations, A/Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hooper, said: ‘This innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in public contact by using AI to triage and redirect non-police calls.
‘It’ll help forces manage demand more effectively, freeing up call handlers to focus on those who genuinely need police support.
‘By reducing unnecessary call handling, this system marks a major step forward in modernising how the public interacts with policing – making services more efficient, responsive, and easier to navigate.’
Nick Gliddon, Business Director at VodafoneThree added: ‘The 101 service plays a vital role in connecting people with the police when they need them, but not every call requires police intervention.
‘By using AI to understand the reason for a caller’s contact and help direct them to the right service, we can reduce unnecessary demand and help police teams focus their time and resources where they are needed most.
‘This is a practical example of how technology can support public services, making it easier for people to get the help they need while helping to protect valuable police resources.’
