Cambridgeshire police issue warning after man dials 999 to order hamburger, chips and mushy peas

The 'order' came into the 999 control room on Saturday night - and police have now released a recording of the call to highlight the consequences making hoax calls can have,

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: "Ordering mushy peas wasn’t the only offence this caller committed when they tried to order a takeaway via 999 on Saturday night...

"Calls like these delay us from responding to a genuine emergency and can land you a prison sentence and a hefty fine."

Misuse of 999 and hoax calls are a criminal offence. You could face a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison or a fine of £5,000.

Lives can be put at risk by people making hoax calls, as the response to genuine emergencies is slowed by tying up an operator.

Police have also issued advice to parents.

A police spokesman said: "It is important you speak to children about the serious dangers of making a hoax call. Some children do not realise the danger they are placing others in and may see it as part of a practical joke.

"Your children need to be aware that if they make hoax calls they are endangering other people’s lives."

The spokesman also told residents what to do if they have accidentally dialled 999.

They said: "We understand that sometimes you can dial 999 by accident. You may accidentally dial it while the phone is in your pocket or bag. We have also seen examples where toddlers or young children have accidentally dialled the number.

"If you or someone else has accidentally dialled 999 please stay on the line and explain what has happened to the emergency service call handler. Do not simply hang up. If you hang up and don’t let us know you’ve called us by accident we may still think there is an emergency situation, trace the call and send officers to you. This will be a waste of resources."