Spate of hoax calls to firefighters

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 10 June 2009

The fire and rescue service have released audio files to Rochdale Online in the hope of catching a hoax caller.

A number of malicious hoax calls have been received recently, all originating from the same area of Rochdale and made by the same caller.

On each occasion that a call was made, the fire service sent crews to the supposed scene of the fire, making them unavailable to attend any genuine emergencies.

Rochdale Borough Commander Martyn Ward said: "Though we have seen a notable decrease in recent years in the number of Hoax Calls we receive unfortunately some people are continuing to make malicious calls placing lives at risk. A fire engine simply cannot be in two places at once, which may result in us being unavailable to respond to the public who truly need us.”

Anyone that recognises the hoax caller is asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The maximum penalty for hoax calls offences is imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of £5,000.

• Download audio file of hoax calls (2mb)