Police launch non-emergency number, 101

Police have launched a new non-emergency phone number, 101, to make reporting a crime or getting advice easier for residents.

The new number is an attempt to make it easier for people to contact the police force, should an immediate response not be needed. People are urged to call 101 when reporting stolen cars, damage to property or giving information on a crime in their area. People are urged to call 999 if an urgent response is required.

The 101 number is replacing the old 0161 872 5050 that was used for non-emergencies.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said, “More than three-quarters of calls to 999 are for non-emergency incidents. Having a number that’s easier to remember will not only make police more accessible to our communities, but also reduce the pressure on the 999 system, allowing us to attend the most urgent calls more effectively.”

Calls to the new number 101 will still be handled by Greater Manchester Police operators, making sure the way in which calls are dealt with will be the same as before the new number was launched.

Calls to the new number will be charged at a flat rate of 15 pence.

Greater Manchester Police launched the new number as part of a national scheme, and joined Cheshire and Merseyside in switching to the number on November 23. The number is expected to be in use nationwide by December 2011.