A woman dialled 999 to report being trapped in her home by a large poisonous spider, but police discovered the 'spider' was actually a piece of fluff. The call was made after the woman had furniture delivered from overseas, leading her to believe the creature had arrived in a crate.
Wiltshire Police highlighted the incident as part of a week-long campaign to reduce inappropriate calls to emergency services. Other examples included a homeless man requesting an officer to test a sandwich he feared was poisoned, and a woman unable to turn off a broken tap who was advised to remove the plug and call a plumber.
Jess Hamilton, a crime recording operator, recounted a call from a woman rollerblading at night who wanted an officer to pick her up because she could not ascend a steep hill. Hamilton suggested she contact a friend or family member instead.
A force spokeswoman said the campaign aims to educate the public on proper use of 101 and 999 numbers, reduce demand on the communication centre, and highlight the work of call handlers under difficult circumstances.
