Published: 00:41 BST, 24 August 2026 | Updated: 00:41 BST, 24 August 2026
It's designed for non–emergency police incidents – but it seems many Brits are taking the mickey when it comes to calling 101.
The most ridiculous calls to the service have been revealed, and they range from the silly to the absurd.
One caller wanted Humberside Police to pick them up because they needed a lift, while another in Durham wanted to discuss the cost of electricity.
Meanwhile, one chancer in Nottinghamshire thought 101 would be the best option to report a lost umbrella.
In the hopes of dissuading these time–wasters, a new AI screening tool is being rolled out in the UK.
'AI is already helping police catch dangerous criminals and speed up investigations,' said Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones.
'Now, it will help bring control rooms into the 21st century, freeing up time and unlocking millions of pounds.
'Forces can reinvest those savings into tackling the crime on our streets.'
One caller wanted Humberside Police to pick them up because they needed a lift, while another in Durham wanted to discuss the cost of electricity (stock image)
Every year, the police's non–emergency line, 101, receives around 20 million calls from the public.
While around a fifth of these calls are for non–policing organisations, such as NHS 111, many others are hugely misplaced.
On 28 July, one caller rang 101 to ask the Humberside Police to pick them up because they needed a lift.
That same day, someone wanted to talk to the Metropolitan Police about changing electricity provier.
On 29 July, a person called the line looking for help on whether a pension pot is tax-free from age 55.
