News

HOAX CALLERS FACE DISCONNECTION

Your phone will be disconnected if you make hoax calls is the warning from Kent Fire and Rescue (KFRS).

The message follows the disconnection of a mobile phone after a series of hoax calls were made to the emergency services in East Kent.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Fire Control Officer Beverley Luque said: “Our Control Operators challenge callers who they believe are making hoax calls".

The message from firefighters is simple - those who make hoax calls from a mobile phone for the first time will be sent a text message warning of disconnection. If that mobile is used again to make a hoax call, Control staff will request disconnection by the service provider. In some instances, Control can request for the phone to be cut-off immediately.

Hoax calls waste firefighters’ time and represent a huge drain o­n resources. Those who make hoax calls to the emergency services may be committing more than o­ne offence. If caught they can get a £5,000 fine, six months in prison, or both.

Head of Community Fire Safety Stuart Skilton said: “People may think it is harmless fun but it is certainly not. Hoax callers waste valuable resources and prevent attendance at genuine incidents where people's lives may be at risk. The 999 number should o­nly be used in an emergency, where there is an immediate threat to life or property.â€?