'I haven't received my takeaway' - Devon and Cornwall Police warning over nuisance calls

Sam Blackledge reports from Devon and Cornwall Police's 999 control room

Devon and Cornwall Police has released examples of recent nuisance calls the force has received to warn the public to only use their service in emergency situations.ITV West Country was given access to the force's Plymouth control room, where we got a glimpse behind the scenes at how 999 calls are handled, and the pressure which comes with keeping the region safe.

Call handler Phoebe Osmaston said: "People aren't calling the police because they're having a good day, it tends to be potentially the worst day of their life.

"No two days are going to be exactly the same, no two calls are going to be exactly the same.

"I think the issue around Christmas is that is alcohol gets involved, and people don't necessarily make the right decisions when they've had too much to drink."The force is expecting another busy festive period, but staff in the control room say they are well equipped and well prepared for whatever comes their way.

Cheryl Nutbean, who has been a call handler for the past year, said: "The biggest challenge is keeping calm when you've got someone screaming down the phone at you.

"They are very stressed, they are very frightened and you've got to remain calm.

"When I first started, I was taking situations home with me, and you have to learn you can't do that in this job, when you walk out the door it's like 'Ok, now I'm going home' and I have to leave all the calls you don't really want to have to listen to again, leave them here.'Although most 999 calls are people in genuine need of help, there are always a few who are not using the service in the right way.

Devon and Cornwall Police has released audio files of a members of the public calling police because his takeaway had not arrived, and another asking for help as he was stuck in a pair of handcuffs.Chief inspector Greg Hine said: "We have around a million contacts a year in total, about 300,000 999 calls a year, a similar number in 101 calls, plus about 75,000 emails.

"So that demand is constantly coming in. Yes it gets a little bit busier during this period, but it's just making sure we've got resources freed up and available in order to answer those calls."

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