Wiltshire Police will be changing its non-emergency number to the figures 101 together with the rest of the South West region, as from Monday, September 19.
Although 999 is a well-recognised number to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only half of the public knew which number to call if they wanted to speak to their local police about policing, non-urgent crime and anti-social behaviour issues.
As part of a national programme, 101 will provide the public with an easier and more memorable number to contact the police.
“Changing our non emergency contact number to 101 will make it much easier for people to contact us,” Assistant Chief Constable Mike Veale told Marlborough News Online. “It is a simple number to remember and will be used by all forces across the country by the beginning of 2012.”
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve and build on our service to the public and are positive that this change will be welcomed by our communities.”
To find out more information about 101, visit website www.wiltshire.police.uk or look out for posters and flyers that have been distributed countywide.
Today (Monday) also sees the launch of a 101 countdown clock on the Force website, counting down the days until 101 goes live in Wiltshire on Monday 19 September.
Calls to 101 will cost 15p per call, irrespective of how long that call may last and applies to landlines and mobile phones.
A person with a hearing or speech impairment will be able to use the non emergency textphone number 18001 101.
101 will replace the existing non-emergency number 0845 408 7000 for Wiltshire Police.
Wiltshire Police can also be contacted by email at www.wiltshire.police.uk or in person at one of our enquiry offices.
