Wiltshire Police remind public of 101 number

One year on since the 101 non emergency police number was launched across England and Wales, Wiltshire Police want to remind the public of the number.

The 101 non-emergency number was launched across the country to help ease calls coming through on the emergency 999 number. 

The number was introduced 19 September 2011 for people to report on crimes relating to: stolen property, minor traffic collisions, drug dealing and if a member of public would like to speak to a police officer. 

Deputy Head of Contact Management at Police HQ, John Flynn said: "The introduction of the 101 number has not changed the way the police respond to non-urgent calls as these are still received by the call handlers in the relevant contact centre."

When a person phones the 101 number, the line will automatically go to the local authority within the area the caller is calling from. The number is available 24 hours 7 days a week. 

Wiltshire Police have now launched posters with advice on how to use the number effectively. 

Any other emergencies can still be reported through 999.

For more information about the 101 number visit the Wiltshire Police website here. 

Have you had to use the 101 number before? Do you think it's useful? Tell us here!