Phone calls received for Codes 12-Bomb Threats, 306-Suspicious Package, 325-Hoax calls from 2019-2021

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024448

I note you seek access to the following information:

I know from open source research the MPS SO15 EOD deals with about 1000 calls per year or roughly 2-3 calls a day for specialist expertise. I also have researched some figures supplied through an already published FOIA request covering July / August / September 2019 (when we were last operating as a pre Covid normal society) showing the number of calls below:

Code 12 Bomb Threat - 91 roughly 1 per day

Code 306 Suspicious Package / Object - 1273 roughly 14 per day

Code 325 Hoax call to the emergency services - 3224 roughly 35 per day

Q1- Is it possible to have some updated current annual figures on the codes above and have an approved form of words in respect of any of the following points?:

Q2 - Do recent figures show any increase in numbers of suspicious package / object calls / bomb threats as crowded places are returning or are the figures above a good guide to illustrate the demands?

Q3 - Are there any recent figures published or can be quoted and attributed?

Q4 - Are all Bomb Threats still assessed and screened by SO15?

Q5 - Are all Bomb Threats investigated?

Q6 - What is the number or % of bomb threats that are hoaxes?

Anything you would be able to supply is greatfully received and will support official protective security messages and guidance to promote vigilance and public safety.

Clarification -
It will be most useful for me to have call data for the three codes above covering 2019, 2020, 2021, and 1st quarter of 2022. That way I can see the call demand pre pandemic, during lockdowns, and the most recent first quarter period as we emerge into a fully open society.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you, where it is held by the MPS, relating to Questions No. 1 - 5.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

With regards to your final question, Q6 - What is the number or % of bomb threats that are hoaxes?

The MPS does not hold the information requested, therefore I am unable to provide a response to this element of your request.

I have numbered the questions in your request and will address each separately.

Q1- Is it possible to have some updated current annual figures on the codes above and have an approved form of words in respect of any of the following points?.

The call numbers for the periods requested are as follows:

Type	2019	2020	2021	Q1 2022
Hoax calls	76,732	70,924	64,017	5,237
Bomb threats	151	122	147	126
Suspicious package /object	5,932	3,416	3,248	1,099

Please note that these figures relate to the classification of calls as recorded by the MetCC. These may be altered as a result of further investigation, for example a report of a suspicious bag could be reclassified as lost property, or a bomb threat reclassified as malicious communications.

Q2 - Do recent figures show any increase in numbers of suspicious package / object calls / bomb threats as crowded places are returning or are the figures above a good guide to illustrate the demands?

The figures demonstrate the level of calls received over this period, but we are unable to comment on what degree COVID restrictions may have been a factor in changes in call volumes.

Q3 - Are there any recent figures published or can be quoted and attributed?

The MPS does not routinely publish figures on these types of calls.

Q4 - Are all Bomb Threats still assessed and screened by SO15?

All bomb threats are assessed and graded by SO15 including those to the transport networks. The SO15 assessment, where necessary, works alongside British Transport Police (BTP) and Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) assessment processes.

Q5 - Are all Bomb Threats investigated?

All bomb threats are investigated and all threats are treated as viable until established otherwise, with each viewed in exactly the same way.