A single non-emergency 101 number has been rolled out to police forces across England and Wales in a bid to help the public to access the police when they need them.
The number is designed to give the public a memorable number for their local police force to report crimes and concerns that do not require an emergency response.
It is expected to aid the police in dealing more efficiently with calls for help from the public.
At 15p per call from both mobile phones and landlines, no matter how long the call lasts or what time of day, many members of the public are spared the cost of traditional 0845 numbers previously used by many forces which can cost up to 40p per minute.
With about 25 per cent of 999 calls nationally requiring an emergency response from the police, ministers and chief constables are confident that the 101 number will also ease pressure on 999 services and reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls.
Police forces in England and Wales have gradually gone live with 101 on a phased basis. The last of the 43 forces have now adopted the number and it is already proving popular with more than two and a half million calls to local police forces.
999 should only be used in an emergency, that is when a crime is happening, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or where someone is injured, being threatened or in danger. For all other matters the public should call 101.
