In an attempt to illustrate the probelm of inappropriate 999 calls, Avon and Somerset police have posted some examples of real 999 calls on their website.

The results are, frankly, astounding. Like the man who calls 999 because his wife has gone out without leaving him any food: “Communications operator: ‘I’m sorry but I really can’t take this. It’s not an emergency because your wife won’t give you anything to eat.'”, or the woman who calls because she can’t find her glasses: “the ones for my nearsight… And I’m trying to get my lunch and I can’t see to do my potatoes very well.”.