Police in 999 hoax warning

To misquote Simon Cowell: 'I don't like it . . . I loathe it.'
Simon CowellSimon Cowell
Simon Cowell

That was the X-Factor style response of the 999 operator to a prank rapper who rang in to sing: “Whoop, whoop, it’s da sound of da police.”

The classic line from a 1990s anti-authoritarian anthem may have been sung in fun, but officers were far from amused. And their response, on Twitter, went viral.

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It was: “Good evening Preston. We’d like to remind people that we’re not a certain Saturday night TV show that involves singing and a record deal.

“So please refrain from calling 999 singing ‘Whoop, whoop it’s da sound of da police’

“ If it’s a record you’re after, we have a very special one available that could cost you a £90 fine or an appearance at court.

“Hoax calls to emergency services cost lives! Thanks.”

The message was a clear warning to anyone else pondering a call to 999 along similar lines.

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Police say all emergency calls are recorded and can be easily traced, resulting in some cases in a fine or a visit to magistrates court.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said the warning had followed a “one off” call on Tuesday night.

He confirmed the force had not experienced a sudden surge in hoax calls – although even one was too many.

New York rapper KRS-One, real name Lawrence Parker, released “Sound Of Da Police” in 1993 as a clear condemnation of what he saw as police oppression.

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The number was covered by Rage Against The Machine, the band which took on Simon Cowell – and won – in 2009 in protest at X-Factor winners claiming an almost automatic Christmas No 1 in the UK singles chart.

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