Emergency services hoax call rises are 'disgraceful'

10.31.30am GMT Fri 26th Jan 2007

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson

East Antrim Alliance representative Stewart Dickson has expressed shock and anger at news that hoax calls to the emergency services are on the increase. The figures were revealed in a parliamentary question answered by Paul Goggins.

The Carrickfergus Councillor said: "I was shocked and angered when I heard that the number of hoax calls made in Northern Ireland are on the rise.

"By making hoax calls, people are putting others lives in jeopardy.

"This is also real drain on public money. The thugs making these hoax calls are hitting local taxpayers hard.

"They are also hurting their local community because an ambulance or fire engine called out under false pretences is being stopped from saving lives in their area.

Cllr Dickson concluded: "A strong message must be sent out by the authorities to people involved in these type of activities."

ENDS