CONFUSION over the new non-emergency police number 101 has led to some misuse of the number, according to Cheshire Police,
As a result, the force has issued additional information to try and clarify the situation.
The 101 number is for calls that do not require urgent assistance from the police while emergency calls should still be made using the traditional 999 number.
Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “The 101 non-emergency number is a really easy number for the public to use to contact us about non-urgent issues. Please remember however in the event of an emergency always use the 999 number.
“It is important that people use the 101 number. Over the coming months we need to ensure the 40,000 people who call us per month who do not require an emergency response stop calling on the 0845 number and use 101 instead. It is a much easier number to remember and costs 15 pence from any landline or mobile at any time of day or night.”
When someone dials 101, the system automatically locates the area for that person and connects them to the relevant police force. A recorded message informs the caller which force they are being connected to, if they live on a boundary with numerous forces a choice is given of which one to be connected to.
The crimes that people should be reporting on 101 include car theft, damaged property, minor traffic incidents, to report someone involved in drug use or dealing or to give police information about a crime in their area.
When a crime is in progress always call 999. It is also important to dial 999 not 101 when there is danger to a person’s life, or violent conduct is being carried out or threatened.
Police phone number misused
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
4 Comments
It is a sad reflection on how people no longer have the use of common sense any more. The original information was quite clear that 101 was for all non emergency calls and 999 still to be used for emergencies. What is so difficult to understand?
Silverlady, it may be a sad reflection on the Police who, in my experience, classify ongoing disturbances, with potential for very serious viloence, as being non-emergency. It is no wonder some people are confused.
“What is so difficult to understand?”
I’ve just seen Someone drive off with my £30,000 car and they’re expecting me to talk with some low priority answering machine? Sorry but I think I’d ring the 999 service that I pay for with my taxes.
“car theft, damaged property, minor traffic incidents, to report someone involved in drug use or dealing” Just shows the crap Police force we have these days when drug dealing is no longer a priority crime….. Roll on the vigilantes I say