HOAX callers will have their mobile phones cut off if they continue to report false incidents to emergency services.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) made the warning after receiving a spate of false calls.

The service has released figures about the number of false alarms made in Dartford and Gravesham.

There were 109 hoax calls made in Dartford from 2004 to 2006. Out of these, firefighters attended 65.

In the same period, 125 false alarms were reported to KFRS from Gravesham, with 89 attended by firefighters.

KFRS is warning those who make hoax calls by mobile phone they will be warned by text message they face disconnection.

If the phone is used to make a hoax call again, control staff will request disconnection by the service provider.

A spokesman says the majority of hoax calls are made from public phone boxes.

Group fire control officer Beverley Luque said: "Hoax calls waste firefighters' time and represent a huge drain on resources.

"More importantly, they divert crews from genuine emergencies and could result in loss of life.

"Hoax calls can have major repercussions for the individuals who make them.

"They could lead to mobile phone disconnection, heavy fines or even imprisonment."

Head of community fire safety Stuart Skilton said: "People may think it is harmless fun, but it is certainly not.

"Attendance to these calls has the capability to put lives and properties at risk.

"Next time anyone is thinking of making a call of this nature, we urge them to think twice."



DARTFORD

  • Between March and April 2004 and 2005, firefighters attended 39 false alarms.
  • In 2005/2006, 26 hoax calls were attended.
  • 13 false alarms were not attended in 2004 and 2005, and 31 in 2005/2006.
  • The total hoax calls for Dartford was 52 in 2004/2005 and 57 in 2005/2006.



GRAVESHAM

  • Firefighters attended 55 hoax calls in 2004/2005, and 34 in 2005/2006.
  • Ten false alarms were not attended in 2004/2005 and 26 in 2005/2006.
  • Gravesham's total was 65 in 2004/2005 and 60 in 2005/2006.