Summer Demand Sees Increase in 999 Calls

Monday, 13 July 2026 11:27

Summer is a busy period for police, and Wiltshire Police are currently seeing an increase in both 999 and 101 calls.

In June this year, Wiltshire Police recorded over 12,000 incident logs, a 7.4% increase compared to the previous year, with a 9.1% increase on 999 call volumes.

Saturday 27th June saw 578 calls to 999, the highest 999 call volume in a 24-hour period on record, with factors including the heat, World Cup matches, and large community gatherings contributing to this number.

As the summer continues, there are some ways that the public can help to reduce the demand on the Wiltshire Police control room so that those most in need of help get it as quickly as possible:

Only call 999 if there is an immediate danger or threat, a crime is happening at that time, or you see something that needs immediate action.

For non-emergencies, these can be reported online at https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/ro/report/ or in person at a police station.

Stations with front counters that are open to the public can be found here https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/police-forces/wiltshire-police/areas/about-us/local-policing-in-wiltshire/

For an update on a case, please contact the officer directly, or visit https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contact-us/id-like-to-request-an-update-on-a-crime-report-i-have-a-crime-number/ to get an update

https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contact-us/id-like-to-request-an-update-on-a-crime-report-i-have-a-crime-number/

Visit the advice and information section on the Wiltshire Police website for helpful guidance, including what cases should be reported to the police and what should be referred to other agencies https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/

Chief Superintendent Guy Elkins said: “We have seen an unprecedented number of calls recently, and we want to ensure that those in need can get hold of us.

"By reporting non-emergencies online, this can help to free up 101 lines for those who are not able to use the online reporting service. Our online reports are handled by the same operators as our calls, so will still be reviewed promptly and with the same care and attention.”