A WOMAN dialled 999 to report someone had stolen a snowman from her garden.

The call to the emergency hotline is among a number Police Scotland say distract their call handlers from assisting real victims of crimes.

Other incidents include: 

• A man calling to say he had been given a ‘dirty look’ by his neighbour
• A woman dialled 101 reporting a large spider in her house and asking the police to help as she couldn’t sleep
• A man asking what to do if his car tyres were under-inflated
• A woman asking police to check her height

Police Scotland today launched a campaign to remind people in East Lothian of the appropriate way to use 101 and 999 numbers.

Around 2.8 million 101 non-emergency calls are made every year in Scotland, while just under half a million emergency calls are placed via 999.

Police Scotland said while most are appropriate - some are not.

Chief Superintendent Roddy Newbigging, Divisional Commander of Police Scotland’s Contact Command and Control Division said: "Our campaign is a timely reminder to people to use 101 and 999 properly. Call handlers deal with a call every 10 seconds. They are highly trained, skilled and knowledgeable and are there to help.

"Most people contact the police appropriately but there are a small percentage who do not – this abuse of 101 and 999 could cost lives.

"Our message is simple - if it’s an emergency call 999. In a non emergency situation, dial 101."

101 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be used from anywhere in Scotland to contact Police Scotland or any other force in the UK.

Members of the public can also use the Police Scotland website to report a range of issues, including domestic abuse, hate crime, child abuse, wildlife crime and lost property. Alternatively, they can approach a police officer on duty or attend at a police station front counter.

More information about 101 and the ways to contact Police Scotland is available on the Police Scotland website via www.scotland.police.uk/101999aware.