Man can’t understand why non-alcoholic gin in a tin isn’t a 999 matter

A police force has issued a reminder that accidentally buying a non-alcoholic gin and tonic is not a reason for calling 999.

That’s the situation that unfolded when an angry man called the emergency number after a trip to Tesco.

Hertfordshire Police has released audio of the bizarre exchange in which he demands the dispatcher send a car to ‘mediate’ the problem.

She asked what the emergency is, to which he explained: ‘I’ve just gone in there and they’ve got these miniature Gordon’s gin with tonic, it’s in the alcohol section.

‘I’m going over to the park, because it’s nice and cool, and I’m sitting in shade and I look at it, it’s zero alcohol. And it’s in the alcohol section, so they all look the same.’

Rather than enjoy the non-alcoholic beverage in the sunshine, which cost him £6, he headed back to Tesco to get a refund but staff weren’t able to help as he’d already drunk one.

While he offered to pay for that one and exchange the rest, the staff member was unable to give him his £6 – no Clubcard discount – back.

The dispatcher explained that this was ‘not a police matter’ but the frustrated customer said he was ‘really angry’ so he’d ‘get arrested’.

When asked why he would be arrested, he replied: ‘Because I’m not having it. I’ve just paid them six quid for non-alcoholic gin and tonic.’

She advised he ‘calmly’ speak to staff and that he shouldn’t attempt to shoplift any alcohol, which he suggested he would do.

Eventually, the dispatcher clears the line and cuts him off mid-protest.

While Hertfordshire Police acknowledged the call ‘may seem amusing’, a spokesperson warned people not to waste call handlers’ time.

A force spokesperson said: ‘The serious side of it is that this individual called 999 and took up the time of one of our call handlers who could have been helping someone in genuine need – potentially even a life-or-death situation.

‘Our incredibly hard-working and ever patient call handlers are not here to answer calls about issues that are not police related.’

They said that recently they’ve been called to ask about taxi services, check what time it is, and even someone complaining that the timer on their microwave was not working.

‘During this prolonged period of hot weather and heatwaves we have been busier than ever before, so we really need the public to support us by only using 999 in a genuine emergency,’ they continued.

‘Of course, if it’s an emergency don’t hesitate to call and we’ll get help to you as quickly as possible and if it’s a non-emergency that police should know about, please consider using our online reporting options.’

In the UK you can call 999 for an emergency, which puts you through to police, fire, or ambulance services, or 111 for a non-emergency line.