FIVE hoax calls to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in one day

The calls on Sunday were from children and DWFRS have pleaded with parents to explain to their youngsters to only use 999 in a genuine emergency.

Diverting an emergency crew to a fake incident could mean that they're not available for a real emergency, and that could cost lives.

HOAXES CAN BE TRACED:

Whether you make a 999 call from a landline, payphone or mobile, the location it's come from can still be tracked.

Even using the 141 function to withhold your number doesn't block the trace.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF MAKING HOAX CALLS:

Police can be brought in if there are repeated calls made from an area or particular number

Anyone prosecuted for making such calls can face a hefty fine and/or up to six months in prison if convicted

The Fire and Rescue Service has an agreement with the major phone companies that enables the disconnection of mobile phones and landlines if they have been used to commit hoax or malicious calls

If this happens, the owner of the phone will be blacklisted by all major networks and phone companies

If you know of someone who makes hoax or malicious calls, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.