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MPs back drive to trap hoaxers

Adam Derbyshire
8/ 2/2007

AS OUR latest campaign begins crackling away, Tameside's MPs have thrown their weight behind our 'stop a hoaxer' crackdown.

The heat is on and the Advertiser has teamed up with firefighters to track down the people who put others' lives at risk by reporting false blazes in the borough.

Readers can log on here on our website and listen to actual 999 recordings of the hoaxers - and we want you to identify them.

Each fake call-out costs the fire service a staggering £1,700 and 145 were made in Tameside last year. The pranks not only waste valuable time and resources but can also prevent crews from making it to a real emergency. Denton MP Andrew Gwynne said: "The issue of hoax 999 calls is of huge concern to me. It is both a waste of money, and potentially a waste of human life. My hard-working constituents in Audenshaw, Denton and Dukinfield pay their taxes to ensure that vital public services are there for all those in the community who need them, not to provide amusement to irresponsible people with nothing constructive to do with their time.

"With each prank call costing the fire service around £1,700, I would like to commend the Tameside Advertiser for taking the lead on this issue and helping users of their website to identify people committing this serious criminal offence."

Stalybridge and Hyde MP James Purnell added: "Hoax calls delay the emergency services and risk lives as a result. People should remember that making a hoax call is a criminal offence and, with modern technology, those making these calls can be tracked down and then face a heavy fine and even a jail sentence."

Making a hoax call is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in jail.

To hear this week's hoax call, and to hear previous clips, click on the links below …

Related Audio Clips

• Hoax call 3