§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many(a) genuine and (b) malicious false alarm emergency calls were received in Buckinghamshire in each year since 1997. [43289]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe number of(a) genuine and (b) malicious false alarm emergency calls received in Buckinghamshire were as follows:
False alarm emergency calls All calls Malicious Good intent Due to apparatus 1997 9,164 879 1,466 2,087 1998 7,754 402 1,251 2,089 1999 8,641 505 1,306 2,154 20001 8,941 500 1,514 2,311 1 Data for 2000 are provisional. False fire alarms are categorised thus:
- (i) Malicious: the call was made with the intention of getting the brigade to attend a non-existent fire-related event. This includes 'deliberate' and 'suspected malicious' intentions.
- (ii) Good intention: the call was made in good faith in the belief that the brigade really would attend a fire.
- (iii) Due to apparatus: the call was initiated by fire alarm and firefighting equipment operating (including accidental initiation of alarm apparatus by person).