Police in Chatham-Kent are urging the public to be mindful after receiving dozens of accidental 911 calls.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service said on Thursday that officers responded to 47 hang-up or accidental calls to 911 in a 24-hour period.

Police said 911 hang-up calls can consume considerable resources.

“If you accidentally dial 911, please stay on the line,” CK police said in a news release. “Should you hang up the call taker will assume it is an emergency and dispatch police.”

Everyone is also encouraged to lock their phones before putting them in their pockets to avoid accidental 911 calls.

Anyone who requires police assistance for non-emergency services is asked to call 519-352-1234 ext. 500.