FOI Prank Calls (0516-2022/23)

Request

I'm looking to request information regarding the amount of prank calls you received between September 2020- September 2021 and also September 2021-September 2022.
Q1. How many prank calls you received in this time period?
Q2. What would you regard as a 'prank call'.

Response

Extent and Result of Searches to Locate Information

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within North Yorkshire Police. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by North Yorkshire Police.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you.

Q1. September 2020 to September 2021 resulted in 4968 calls logged as hoax

       September 2021 to September 2022 resulted in 2389 calls logged as hoax

Q2. A prank call would be classed for reporting and recording purposes as a Hoax call. There is a nationally recognised definition for a hoax call which is recorded under the category of Public Safety/Welfare as the main impact of hoax calls is on other people with genuine concerns who cannot get through to the police or get assistance as a result of the hoax call. This category also includes false calls made to emergency services. These are calls that convey information that is false and is known or believed to be false for the purpose of causing distress, anxiety or the wasteful misdirection of emergency services. This category does not include calls made with good intent where the information given turns out to be incorrect.

Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data.  It should be noted therefore that this force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.