People in Stone and across Staffordshire can now dial 101 for non-emergency calls to the police.
The number is already in use in London, Wales, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Sheffield, but it is now being rolled out across England on a phased basis during 2011. It was rolled out to Staffordshire on Tuesday 8th November.
Chief Inspector Mark Riley, who manages the force control room, said: “While 999 is a well-recognised number used to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54 per cent 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 their local police force to report non-emergency crime and disorder.
“Calls to 101 will cost 15 pence per call, no matter how long you are on the phone – 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.”
“As 101 become more familiar we expect the numbers of inappropiate calls via 999 to reduce so we can improve the service we provide to geniune emergencies.”
The Staffordshire Police current number (0300 123 4455) will remain in place while people become familiar with 101. Find out more at www.staffordshire.police.uk/101
