Advertisement

Don’t call 911 about treats being served from ice cream truck, Peel police warn

Click to play video: 'Emergency services continue to deal with 911 call abuse'
Emergency services continue to deal with 911 call abuse
WATCH ABOVE: Emergency services continue to deal with 911 call abuse. Sean O'Shea reports (April 19) – Apr 17, 2019

Although the sounds of an ice cream truck may be joyous to many in the sizzling summer heat, police in Peel Region say it was enough for one local resident to call 911.

Peel Regional Police Const. Akhil Mooken said the call came into the service’s 911 communications centre just before 8 p.m. on Saturday. The resident was reportedly upset the vehicle was parked near their house for half an hour serving ice cream to several people in attendance.

“It was a bit of disbelief that someone would call into 911 for that,” he told Global News when asked about the call.

READ MORE: Thousands sign petition asking for fines against people who call 911 to complain about Amber Alerts

“But it was quickly replaced with, ‘We need to do a little bit more and educate the community and the public with what the purpose of 911 is.’”

Story continues below advertisement

Mooken said sometimes people call 911 because they don’t know where else to call. He said for complaints such as those about ice cream trucks, residents should call 311. Or, alternately, they should call the police service’s non-emergency number at 905-453-3311.

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“To take away that highly skilled operator from someone who has an emergency was not the best way to voice their concerns,” he said.

Sponsored content

AdChoices