Plea over 999 food shortage calls

Recent heavy snow turned to ice in places in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Police have put out a polite notice urging people unable to leave their homes in the bad weather to call them only in an emergency.

The force said it was dealing with triple the normal levels of calls as people complained about snowball fights and running out of food.

Ch Insp Jim Turnell said it was prioritising calls and public safety would be top of the list.

He asked people to "make a judgement before picking up the phone".

"When the weather conditions are poor, emergency calls are being prioritised.

"We will of course respond to life threatening incidents but if you are experiencing difficulties moving your car out of a public car park, for example, this will not be a priority for the police.

"Public safety is our priority and these callers will have to wait."

The force also urged anyone planning journeys to adapt to the weather accordingly.

Ch Insp Turnell said: "The message as always is do not set off to travel unless you really have to make the journey.

"If you must travel take with you a shovel, warm clothing and a drink in case of difficulties."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version