GMP braced for World Cup

10 July 2018, 14:07 | Updated: 10 July 2018, 14:09

The police are asking people to think before they pick up the phone following unprecedented demand over the weekend.

Greater Manchester Police saw 5,229 calls to 999 and 3,121 to 101 from 7am on Saturday to 7am today (Monday 9 July), the most calls seen in over two years, and they’re now encouraging people to consider if it’s a priority before picking up the phone. They’re also releasing examples of inappropriate calls that they saw over the weekend.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling said: “We work really hard to deal with everything that comes into us in the best and most efficient way possible and remain committed to protecting the people of Greater Manchester. However, we’ve seen an unprecedented amount of calls coming into us this weekend and we are struggling to help those that need us most as a result.

“This past weekend we saw almost 8,500 calls in 48 hours. The hot weather, weekend drinking and the World Cup all played a factor in an increase in calls to us, all of which are set to continue this week with the semi-final on Wednesday. We’re also set for a busy few days at the end of the week with Donald Trump’s visit to the UK.

“We need the public to work with us, think before they call and do everything they can to support each other and keep our communities safe. Please think before you pick up the phone. Do you really need us? Is the information on our website? Could you talk to us via LiveChat? We’re always here to help anyone who needs us, and always will be, but everyone needs to play their part.

“I’d also like to ask people to look out for themselves and each other, particularly on Wednesday night. We saw an increase in antisocial, inappropriate and frankly unacceptable behaviour from some people on Saturday. Please let’s not see a repeat of this.”