OPERATION Cry Wolf will target telephone boxes in problem areas like Astley Bridge, Ainsworth and Breightmet which are known to be used by pests who make false 999 calls.

Tiny concealed cameras will help identify the culprits, and officials will also talk to pupils at nearby schools, stressing the serious damage they can cause.

Cameras have already been used successfully on local roads and in the town centre, and modern technology can identify box locations immediately. We hope that the mere threat of being caught and heavily fined or imprisoned will deter the mainly young hoaxers, and that parents will reinforce the message.

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