Merseyside Police - '101' non-emergency phone number

From 23^rd November, communities across Merseyside have access to 101, the new, easy to remember national non-emergency telephone number.  It is being introduced to every police force across England and Wales to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999 and help the police efficiently and effectively tackle crime and disorder.

101 will be available for people to report non-emergency issues, such as if their car has been stolen, property has been damaged, they want to report a minor traffic collision or suspect criminal or anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood.  Our current non-emergency number, 0151 709 6010, will remain in use as a switchboard number which can be used as a way to contact a specific person or department within the Force.

While 999 is a well-recognised number used to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54% of the public know how to contact their local police if they want to talk to them about policing, crime or anti-social behaviour. The introduction of the 101 number will help communities to keep their neighbourhoods safe by giving them one easy way to contact us to report non-emergency crime and disorder. Calling 101 will not result in a call receiving a lower priority than calling 999 about a non-emergency issue.

The number is already in use in most Forces across England and Wales, and the North West is the final phase of the national roll out. We know from these previous roll outs that 101 is well received by the public and has led to improvements in public satisfaction and confidence when calling the police. If you would like further information, you can visit www.police.uk/101

Calls to 101 will cost 15 pence per call, no matter how long the phone call – this applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time, everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will know exactly how much the call will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline.

In an emergency, the public should continue to call 999, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.