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Sunday, August 31, 2025

Moment clever 999 operator sends cops to help domestic abuse victim pretending to order a pizza

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A woman who was being threatened by a man at home pretended to order a pizza to hide the fact she was calling the police.

The domestic violence victim called 999 and the quick-thinking Metropolitan Police dispatcher who answered the phone sent officers to the home shortly after. Audio released by the police force reveals how call handler Pippa Harvey asked the woman some questions to understand what was happening while keeping her safe from the perpetrator.

When the woman opened the conversation asking for a pizza, Ms Harvey asked: “Do you require pizza delivery or do you require the police? If it’s the police say yes.” Then the scared woman said “yes” and Ms Harvey continued asking other yes or no questions to keep the ruse going.

Among the questions the dispatcher asked were whether the man who was threatening the woman was in the property, to which she said yes, and whether he had any weapons, to which she replied no. Ms Harvey then asked: “If he threatened to hurt you, tell me pepperoni. If he threatened to hurt the children, tell me cheese.”

The woman then said “pepperoni” and while the call continued, children could be heard crying in the background. Ms Harvey assured the caller that police were on their way to her home. However, she urged her to hang up the call so it wouldn’t look suspicious.

The Met Police said Ms Harvey had only been in the role for a few months when she answered the call – and she was later awarded a commendation for her quick thinking. The force said: “[She] recognised the disguise and used her initiative to ensure the woman received the help she needed.”

Sharing audio on X, the Met wrote: “Our brilliant call handlers work around the clock to support victims and dispatch officers to emergencies across London.” The force added: “If you’re in danger, call 999 and try to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone to answer questions.”

It also shared the following tips:

If you don’t speak or answer questions, press 55 or tap when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police. The police will usually be able to find your location. If you don’t press 55 or respond, your call could be ended.

If you don’t speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they’ll transfer your call to the police. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again. Calling 999 from a landline automatically gives the police information about your location.

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