POLICE have released the latest examples of silly calls to their 101 service as part of a continued bid to deter time-wasters.

Dorset Police have reiterated their latest appeal advising members of the public when it is appropriate to call them.

Their new website, which launched in June of this year, details a number of different ways to get in touch with the force online.

The latest calls, made in June, include a man asking for help in finding his car in the hospital grounds, someone wanting directions to Wimborne and another person who tried 101 because 118 wasn’t working.

Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, said the newly launched Dorset Police website was a “real step forward in modernising how the public can interact with the police.”

“We now need to work with the public to ensure only policing matters are reported, and in turn, we will continue to monitor how the telephone and online 101 reports are being dealt with to ensure the pubic receive an efficient service”, he added.

Each day, the police receive more than 1,300 calls to 101 and more than 200 emergency calls to 999.

These levels increase in the summer months, putting more pressure on call handlers.

Calls to Dorset Police have included: n Can you influence the council to cut the trees back so I can see the street and keep an eye on it?

  • I’ve got a bumble bee in my garden 
  • There is a dead duck in my back garden
  • I’ve seen a deer roaming around on its own 
  • I want a lift from Dorchester to Bournemouth
  • A woman called from Holland wanting to connect with childhood friends
  • A man man wanted to go back to his country and had no identification – he was advised to contact Immigration or the Passport Office 
  • I can hear a dog crying
  • Can I have the telephone number for Hampshire leisure club?

The 101 service is used by police to handle non-emergency calls and crime reports.

Earlier this month, the Dorset PCC has launched a new customer panel to improve the force’s 101 service.

The new panel, set up by Mr Underhill, will randomly select a number of 101 calls and review whether they have been dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

To share your views on the 101 service, email pcc@dorset.pnn.police.uk