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Hertfordshire Police Warn Against 999 Calls Over Tesco Refund

8/20/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Hertfordshire Police released audio of a 999 call about a £6 Tesco refund to warn against non-emergency dialing.
The caller asked police to obtain the refund for non-alcoholic gin.
Hertfordshire Police said almost one-third of daily 999 calls are inappropriate.
Unnecessary 999 calls divert handlers from genuine emergencies and could endanger lives.
Call handlers also receive queries about taxis, the time, and broken microwave timers.

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Story summary

Hertfordshire Police released audio of a 999 call about a £6 Tesco refund to warn against non-emergency dialing.
The caller asked police to obtain the refund for non-alcoholic gin.
Hertfordshire Police said almost one-third of daily 999 calls are inappropriate.
Unnecessary 999 calls divert handlers from genuine emergencies and could endanger lives.
Call handlers also receive queries about taxis, the time, and broken microwave timers.