Hoax callers - 'Lies cost lives'

Hoax calls to the emergency services waste precious time, resources and most importantly, put peoples' lives at risk.

Last year, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SF&RS) dealt with approximately 600 of these calls. They may be seen as a prank, but the results can be very serious.

102.7 Mercury FM worked with the Fire Service to try and catch some of Surrey's most prolific hoaxers. A selection of hoax calls were played on Mercury's breakfast show with Paul Bunker and listeners who recognised the hoax callers were encouraged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Paul Bunker from 102.7 Mercury FM breakfast show said: "This is a serious issue and there are a lot of stupid people out there that think wasting the fire service's time is amusing. If emergency services are responding to hoax calls, they may be delayed or unavailable should a genuine call for help be received."

"If you are using your phone to make malicious calls, you will be cut off. It is illegal to make hoax emergency calls and anyone caught can face up to a £5,000 fine or 6 months in prison," Bryn Strudwick, Surreys Arson Task Force Manager said.

The message is clear: Lies Cost Lives.

Can you help?

Anyone with information or any witnesses to hoax callers can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to leave information anonymously. Alternatively, contact the Arson Task Force on 01737 733 693.

For more information on this campaign and the activities of Surrey Crimestoppers please email Surrey Crimestoppers or call us on 01483 472 739.

Call 0800 555 111 if you want to give information about crime and criminals anonymously