Beds Police 101 service delayed due to 'staffing issues and unprecedented demand'
Callers to Bedfordshire Police's 101 service are experiencing delays due to "staffing issues and unprecedented demand", the force has stated.
The warning comes as coronavirus rates continue to rise across the county (see here).
Beds Police stated online: "Due to unprecedented demand and unforeseen staffing issues, people calling 101 are experiencing longer waiting times than normal.
"Please report non-emergencies to us via our webchat and online reporting tool, but always call 999 in an emergency."
It is not the first time Beds Police resources have been pushed to their limits.
In September 2018, the force became dangerously understaffed during a crime spree which led South West Beds MP Andrew Selous to raise the issue in Parliament.