New non-emergency police number proves successful
The new non-emergency number, 101, is being hailed a success after over 7,400 people used it to call West Mercia Police in the first month of its launch.
The number was introduced to give the public one memorable number, making it easier for them to report crime and ease the pressure on the 999 system.
Since its introduction, around 10 per cent of the non-emergency calls now received by the force's control room are from people who have dialled 101.
Head of Operational Support Command, Chief Superintendent Trevor Albutt said: "Although it is still very early days, we are really pleased with the way 101 has been accepted by the public.
"One in ten non-emergency calls we now receive are through 101, which is a good start considering we are the fourth largest force geographically and it can take some time for messages to filter out to the many harder to reach, rural communities in our area.
"The figures so far also indicate that there has been a slight reduction in the number of 999 calls to us, which shows that people are thinking before they dial.
"I would like to remind those who are not already aware, that we do have a new number they can call to report non-emergencies - 101.
"This can be used when reporting incidents such as: if your car has been stolen; if your property has been damaged; where you suspect drug use or dealing or to report a minor traffic collision.
"Our current number - 0300 333 3000 - is still up and running as a general switchboard number, but we would hope that in the future all incidents, non-urgent in nature will be received via 101."
To find out more about 101 and when to use it visit http://www.westmercia.police.uk/.
In an emergency, always call 999 if there is a crime in progress, if someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.
