Hertfordshire Police has issued a reminder that accidentally purchasing a non-alcoholic gin and tonic is not a valid reason for dialling 999. The warning follows an incident in which an angry man called the emergency number after a trip to Tesco, demanding police intervention over a £6 purchase.
Man Calls 999 Over Non-Alcoholic Gin Purchase
Hertfordshire Police released audio of the bizarre exchange, in which the caller demanded a police car be sent to 'mediate' the problem. The dispatcher asked what the emergency was, to which he explained: 'I've just gone in there and they've got these miniature Gordon's gin with tonic, it's in the alcohol section. I'm going over to the park, because it's nice and cool, and I'm sitting in shade and I look at it, it's zero alcohol. And it's in the alcohol section, so they all look the same.'
Rather than enjoy the non-alcoholic beverage in the sunshine, the man headed back to Tesco to get a refund. Staff were unable to help because he had already consumed one of the drinks. While he offered to pay for that one and exchange the rest, the staff member was unable to return his £6 – no Clubcard discount – back.
Dispatcher Advises Calm, Caller Threatens Shoplifting
The dispatcher explained that this was 'not a police matter', but the frustrated customer said he was 'really angry' and that he would 'get arrested'. When asked why he would be arrested, he replied: 'Because I'm not having it. I've just paid them six quid for non-alcoholic gin and tonic.' She advised him to 'calmly' speak to staff and warned him not to attempt to shoplift any alcohol, which he had suggested he would do. Eventually, the dispatcher cleared the line, cutting him off mid-protest.
Police Warning: 999 Calls Are for Emergencies Only
While Hertfordshire Police acknowledged the call 'may seem amusing', a spokesperson warned people not to waste call handlers' time. A force spokesperson said: 'The serious side of it is that this individual called 999 and took up the time of one of our call handlers who could have been helping someone in genuine need – potentially even a life-or-death situation. Our incredibly hard-working and ever patient call handlers are not here to answer calls about issues that are not police related.'
They noted that recently they have been called to ask about taxi services, check what time it is, and even someone complaining that the timer on their microwave was not working. 'During this prolonged period of hot weather and heatwaves we have been busier than ever before, so we really need the public to support us by only using 999 in a genuine emergency,' they continued. 'Of course, if it's an emergency don't hesitate to call and we'll get help to you as quickly as possible and if it's a non-emergency that police should know about, please consider using our online reporting options.'
In the UK, 999 is for emergencies and connects callers to police, fire, or ambulance services, while 111 is the non-emergency line.
