A PLEA for bread to be delivered and a request to borrow a shovel were the subject of some of the calls made to police as heavy snowfall gripped the country.
Police Scotland’s service centre responded to thousands of calls from members of the public as the Beast From The East sparked the first weather red alert of its kind.
During the four days up to and including last Thursday, a total of 23,626 calls were made to Police Scotland’s non-emergency 101 number, while 5508 999 calls were received.
The latter was up 12 per cent on a typical four-day period.
Despite various messages on social media informing the public that service centres were experiencing a high volume of calls and re- directing people to the appropriate agencies or organisations, calls were still received about road and school closures.
Calls also included a member of the public asking police how to get to the shops for alcohol and cigarettes and another asking if police officers were able to make deliveries of bread as they had run out.
Another caller reported that a gate had frozen and there was a request for an emergency vet as the local vet would not arrange a home visit.
One member of the public asked if they could borrow a snow shovel.
Chief Inspector Alan Gray of contact, command and control division based in Govan, Glasgow said: “These types of calls are taking an adviser away from what could be an important 999 call and a member of the public who might need urgent assistance.
“Our service centre advisers deal with a call every 10 seconds. They are highly trained, skilled and knowledgeable, and are there to help.
“Most people contact the police appropriately, however there are a small percentage who do not – and this misuse of 101 and 999 could cost lives.”
More information about 101 and the ways to contact Police Scotland are available at their website.
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