Make the right call this Bank Holiday weekend

The Bank Holiday weekend is here, bringing warm weather and a chance for people across Humberside to enjoy time outdoors, whether it’s at the seaside, parks, festivals, or gatherings with friends and family.

While you’re out making the most of it, there are a number of ways to contact us if you need support. In an emergency, always call 999.

For non-emergency incidents, you can report or get advice online via police.uk, speak to us on 101 for non-urgent matters, or use our virtual agent Bobbi - available on our website in the bottom right corner to quickly find guidance or the right way to get help.

Our Force Control Room (FCR) will be working hard behind the scenes, ensuring public safety, responding to emergencies, and supporting frontline officers in keeping communities safe.

Bank holidays are always a busy period for our team, and we expect a higher volume of calls over the weekend. Our teams are prepared, ensuring that genuine emergencies are prioritised while offering advice and guidance when needed.

Luke Shaw, Head of our Force Control Room said: “Bank holidays are a time for people to relax, enjoy themselves, and spend time with loved ones. While the majority of people are out having fun, our teams in the Force Control Room are working hard to ensure that emergency calls are responded to swiftly and efficiently.

''We’re here around the clock to support our communities. All we ask is that people think about whether they need police assistance before calling, so we can focus on those who need us most. There are a lot of ways to contact us depending on the situation, whether it’s emergency 999 calls, non-urgent reports through 101, or online contact for advice or to report a crime that is not ongoing.

''Lost property might be upsetting, but it’s not an emergency, whereas someone in danger or a crime in progress requires an urgent 999 response. If you’re unsure whether to call, you can check our guidance online or ask Bobbi, our virtual assistant, who will help direct you to the right option.”

When should you call 999?

If someone’s life is in danger

A crime is in progress

There’s an immediate risk to public safety

If your situation is not urgent, there are other ways to get support - calling 999 for non-emergencies could delay help for someone in crisis.

What to do if you call 999 accidentally

Accidental calls to 999 can happen, whether it’s a misdial or a pocket dial. If this happens, please stay on the line and let us know. If a call is disconnected before speaking to an operator, we must treat it as a potential emergency, meaning our team will need to spend time calling back to confirm the caller is safe.

By staying on the line and confirming the call was made in error, you help us resolve the situation quickly and ensure resources remain available for those in genuine need.

Alternatives to calling 999

101 – For non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a crime after it has happened or seeking advice

Online (police.uk) – For reporting or contacting us without calling.

Bobbi (online virtual agent) – Available on our website (bottom right corner) to help guide you to the right service or information.

Local authorities – Issues such as noise complaints, stray animals, and other non-police concerns should be reported to councils or relevant services

If you’re unsure who to contact in a non-emergency situation, Bobbi can help point you in the right direction.

If you need us, we’re here - whether through 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-urgent matters.

Enjoy your weekend, stay safe, and remember to make the right call when reaching out for help.