The Elk Valley RCMP has been inundated with false 911 calls in the past week.
The detachment received between 75 and 100 of the calls, which they believe may have been made by a child.
“Based on the background noise during these calls, it appears very young children are playing with the phone,” said Sgt. Dave Dubnyk from the Elk Valley RCMP.
“Police would like to remind parents that 911 can still be called from a cell phone even if the phone is not under contract.
“If someone has given an old cell phone to their children and now feel they may be responsible for all these calls, please contact the RCMP to let them know the matter has been addressed.”
Dubnyk said that if parents are giving their child an old cell phone to play with, they should make sure the batteries have been removed.
“911 is for emergencies only,” he said. “Receiving 75-100 false calls in a week is very taxing on both Dispatch and police resources.”