New police number 'catching on' despite increase in non-emergency 999 calls (From The Westmorland Gazette)

New police number 'catching on' despite increase in non-emergency 999 calls

3:20pm Saturday 7th January 2012 in News By Steven Bell, Senior Reporter

CUMBRIA Police are urging people to think before they dial after the force reported an increase in the number of non-emergency calls being made to 999.

Chief Inspector Dawn Allen, from the constabulary’s communication centre, said police experienced the rise in such calls over the New Year period.

However, figures revealed this week show the majority of residents are using the new non-emergency number, 101, which is phasing out the current 0845-33-00-247 service.

The constabulary said that since its launch last month, 101, was ‘catching on’ and, on average, 25 per cent of non-emergency calls were being made to the number.

Crimes such as a stolen vehicle and vandalism are calls the police want people to divert away from the 999 number.

Ch. Insp. Allen said 101 was an ‘easy number’ to remember for non-emergency situations.

She added: "It is positive to see that the 101 number is being used and this will go from strength to strength in the up and coming months now that the number is being promoted across the county.

“Unfortunately over the New Year period we did see an increase in the number of non-emergency calls being made to the 999 number.

“I would like to remind people 999 should only be used in cases of emergency and all other calls and inquiries made to 101, where communications staff will be able to help you.”

When calling, the 101 system determines the person’s location and connects them to their local police force.

Options to be transferred to other forces are also available.