Police have urged people to think before they dial 999 after a man called the police after getting locked out of his house.

Thames Valley Police has revealed that around 7,000 hours of its call handlers' time is wasted every year on non-police matters.

According to the force, the most common time-wasting calls include reports of nuisance noise and reports of abandoned vehicles.

One man even called 999 to report that he had locked himself out of his home.

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In a plea on social media, Thames Valley Police urged residents to"think before you dial" 999.

People should only call 999 if someone is in danger or if a crime is happening right now.

Members of the public should dial 101or use the Thames Valley Police website for other matters.

Addressing some of the most common non-police matters, the force advised who would be best to call.

  • Abandoned vehicles: report them to the local council
  • Nuisance noise: contact local council's environmental health team
  • Fly-tipping: contact local council
  • Broken-down vehicles: Unless it is in a dangerous position, you should contact a breakdown or recovery service.
  • Civil advice: contact Citizens Advice