Dial 101 for non-emergency police

As well as making the police more accessible, it is hoped that 101 will reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls that are made to the force.

The new 101 number is part of a national drive to make it easier to contact the police and report crime and disorder after a 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54 per cent of the public knew how to contact their local police.

Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock said: “On average, Bedfordshire Police receives more than 1300 calls a day but only about 11 per cent of those require an emergency response from the police. 999 should only be used in a real emergency, that is when a crime is happening, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby or where someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.

“For all other matters such as reporting less urgent crime or disorder, contacting police with a general enquiry or speaking to an officer the public should contact Bedfordshire Police on the new 101 number.”

For more information visit www.bedfordshire.police.uk