ACT Policing say their time is being wasted by "needless" calls, including an attempt to report two maskless children jumping on a trampoline in their own backyard.
Another person called the cops because two people were getting out of their vehicle in a carpark, ACT police said.
The call line has also been clogged up with Canberrans asking for health advice, police said.
"One person reporting information about a missing person had to wait more than 30 minutes to speak with us," Superintendent of Operations Rebecca Goddard said.
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"Calling us to report two children not wearing masks while jumping on a trampoline in their backyard is a serious waste of our resources.
"We have also had calls about two people getting out of a car in a retail carpark and calls from people seeking advice about exemptions or other health-related questions.
"These are not calls that should be made to police."
Superintendent Goddard said the calls were stopping police from taking action against crimes, such as domestic violence and theft.
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"These calls can delay important information about crimes currently being committed such as family violence incidents, vehicle thefts, burglaries and information about missing persons which has happened this week," she said.
"I am asking anyone who is about to call police to ask themselves - is this an immediate police matter? If not, there are other ways to provide your information or to get information."
Only call 131 444 for for legitimate police matters or 000 in life threatening situations.
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Lanie Tindale
I am a reporter at The Canberra Times, and was previously a trainee. I have covered various topics at the masthead, including courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. I previously worked in digital news. I am now a general news reporter, with a focus on health. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
I am a reporter at The Canberra Times, and was previously a trainee. I have covered various topics at the masthead, including courts, federal politics, breaking news, features and opinion. I previously worked in digital news. I am now a general news reporter, with a focus on health. lanie.tindale@canberratimes.com.au.
