There are four principal occasions when you are likely to want to contact the police, i.e. (i) in an emergency, (ii) when reporting a crime, (iii) to report anti-social behaviour or (iv) when wishing to seek advice.
DIAL 999 ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY
You should only use 999 to report emergency situations. There is a helpful mnemonic to remember when to use 999:
- Phone 999 only if:
- Offenders are nearby.
- Life is at risk.
- Injury is caused or threatened.
- Crime or disorder is in progress.
- Emergency situations.
DIALLING 0845 0454545 NUMBER IN A NON-EMERGENCY
If you wish to report a (non-emergency) crime that has occurred you should ring 0845 0454545. Be sure to state clearly that you are reporting a crime. When the police have recorded the details ensure that you obtain a ‘crime report number’ confirming that your report has been recorded. You can also use the 0845 0454545 number on those occasions when you simply wish to seek advice, or contact the neighbourhood police officer (Beat Manager).
DIALLING 101 FOR OTHER REASONS
The 101 number is intended to deal with community safety issues. You can use it to report anti-social behaviour or, as with the 0845 0454545 number, on those occasions when you wish to seek advice.
You may use 101 to report:
- Vandalism, graffiti and other deliberate damage to property.
- Noise related issues.
- Intimidation and harassment.
- Abandoned vehicles.
- Fly tipping and litter.
- People being drunk and rowdy in public places.
- Drug related anti-social behaviour.
- Defective street lighting.
REMEMBER…
Do not dial 999 except in an emergency. The POLICE mnemonic at the top of this page defines the circumstances that constitute an emergency.
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