Police 101

Almost everyone in the country from school children to pensioners know that in an emergency you ring 999 to get hold of Police, Ambulance or Fire Service. The world’s oldest emergency number has been in operation throughout the UK and even in other countries for more than seventy years and has stood the test of time. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the emergency services it has helped millions of people across the world.

However, over the years the officials behind the 999 service have found increasingly that people are ringing the number for non-emergency situations. While this is not necessarily a crime it can cause delay and may even prevent the emergency services, particularly the police, getting to a real emergency in time.

With this in mind the government has now introduced a second number to call for non-emergency crimes mainly in England and Wales – 101.

So what can you use this number for? Things that you would report are:

• If your car has been stolen.


• If your property has been damaged.


• If you suspect drug use or dealing in your local area.


• To report a minor traffic accident.


• To give the police information about crime in your area.


• To speak to the police about a general enquiry.

In some areas it will also be possible to report other crimes such as:

• Vandalism and graffiti.


• Noise nuisance.


• Abandoned vehicles.


• Dumping and fly tipping.


• Broken street lighting.

The number is available seven days a week 24 hours a day just like 999, but it is there for less urgent situations. The 999 number is still to be used for emergencies like for when a crime is still in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.

The cost of using the 101 number a fixed at 15 pence per call no matter what time of day you call, or how long you are on the phone, from both landlines and mobiles. The service is still going to be run by police call handlers and you will be directed to your own local police. In addition, all the usual help is available if you have speech or hearing impairments and if English isn't your first language.