SURREY RCMP are issuing a reminder to call 9-1-1 for potential and unfolding emergencies only. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from a first responder (police, fire, ambulance services).

In 2023, Surrey RCMP received 103,627 911 calls. Of those calls 72,343 calls were abandoned 911 calls. Abandoned 911 calls increased by 26% in 2023. In many instances, the 911 was not used for its intended use, and 25-30% of the 9-1-1 calls received each day are false. Misusing 911 and abandoned 911 calls requires dispatchers and police officers to divert their attention and resources from something that could be a real emergency.

When you call 911, a dispatcher will ask if you need police, fire or ambulance and for which city. If you are unable to speak English, you can let the dispatcher know which language you prefer and they will do their best to find someone who speaks the same language. For example, you could say police, Surrey, and speak Mandarin.

How you can help avoid false 911 calls:

• Lock and store your phone properly
• Don’t let children play with phones – even without a SIM card they can call 911 by accident
• Dial slowly and carefully when making international calls
• If you do call 911 accidentally, stay on the line and answer questions from the call taker, otherwise, police will need to call you back or attend in person.

The following are not the reason to call 911:

• You are looking for the non-emergency number
• You need help moving
• You don’t know the bus schedule and / or you missed the bus
• Your roommate sat on your bed
• Your roommate burned dinner
• Your fast food order was not what you ordered
• You dropped your air pods in the bushes and you need the police to retrieve them
• A loud truck drove by your house and woke you up
• Kids playing sports in a cul-de-sac
• Did not want to wait on non-emergency line.

Examples of when to call 911:

• Someone’s life is in danger or there is an immediate threat to person or property.
• A crime in progress, shots fired, stabbing, robbery, arson/fire, and break and enter.
• When a serious crime has just happened and the suspect may still be near and/or return to the scene.
• When there is a good chance of arresting a suspect or preventing a serious crime.

Examples of non-emergency situations:

• When a crime that has already been committed and no suspects are present (e.g., theft from vehicle or home, vandalism, fraud)
• Suspicious activity or circumstance or less serious nuisance behavior
• A hate crime or hate incident, including those with no immediate safety risks, no physical evidence, and no identifiable suspects
• When you want follow-up information on a report you have previously made (Have your police file number available)

Online crime reporting is available if:

• you have no witness or suspect
• you have lost something that costs less than $5,000
• someone has stolen something from you that costs less than $5,000
• someone has vandalized your property or vehicle and it will cost less than $5,000 to repair it
• there are no items involving personal identity, firearms, licence plates or decals
• you want to report a driving complaint that is not in progress

All other crimes require you to make a report via phone. Call 604-599-0502.

“Our 911 police dispatchers are trained to gather information and ensure that help is on the way for you,” says Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for Surrey RCMP. “It’s important to keep the 911 lines open and available so we can provide the help when it’s needed the most.”