BT are reporting a significant increase in accidental calls to the 999/112 service following a recent Android update that triggers an SOS when a button on the side of your phone is pressed five times.
You can check your emergency dial settings on most Android phones by going to ‘Settings’ and looking for SOS settings in the options.
Calls to 999 where the operator cannot hear anyone on the line (silent calls) are never just ignored. Call handlers will then need to spend valuable time trying to call you back to check whether you need help.
If you do accidentally dial 999, please don’t hang up. If possible, please stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance.
As always, if a crime is in progress or if there is an immediate risk to person or property, always dial 999.
If a crime is not in progress, then please consider reporting the incident online via www.hampshire.police.uk in the first instance.
– Hampshire Alerts –