LOUIS TRICHARDT – The local Police made an urgent appeal to members of the public not to abuse the emergency 10111 telephone number.

During the recent monthly meeting of the Community Policing Sub-forum, it came to light that an alarming amount of time is wasted on investigating false alarms received at this emergency number.

At one stage various police vehicles were rushed to the scene of a major accident which was reported. On arrival at the reported place, it became obvious that it was a false alarm.

A spokesperson for the police said this type of misuse is not only very frustrating and costly, but it also puts an additional strain on the inadequate vehicle fleet.

At the same time it has a serious negative impact on the police's ability to render the necessary protective service.

He warned that such false alarms constitute a serious offence which could have severe consequences for the culprits.