Gazette readers want to see tougher punishments for people who make hoax calls to emergency services

We asked readers: “Do you think there should be tougher punishments for people who make hoax or nuisance calls to the emergency services?”

And 99% of the 861 people that took part with the online poll agreed that there should be tougher punishments.

Here’s what readers had to say:

Keith Ford said: “It’s disgusting when some idiots call the emergency services while they are needed in real emergencies!”

Other readers comments said:

Lynn Elliott said: “The emergency services are pushed to the limit.“People need education into when and when not to call. People who make hoax calls are not thinking about the people who may be trying to get through with a genuine emergency.”

Judy Read said: “I was watching the news yesterday morning and someone actually called the police to ask the time!

“So too bloody right they should be fined. They’re wasting valuable life saving time.”

Martin Parsons responded to Judy Read, saying: “Read an article yesterday that someone had called the police as they'd been given three saveloys and not one as per their order!”

Silas Hobbit said: “Yes, on the condition that anyone with mental health issues is not sent to prison over this.”

Martin Parsons said: “They should be fined.

“BT provide the emergency services the location data so finding them shouldn't exactly be a difficult task.”