New emergency number launched in Vale

Tristan Harris

09 November. Updated: 09 November 09:24

A NEW non-emergency phone number has been launched by West Mercia Police in a bid to take the pressure off the 999 system, which is being over-burdened by unnecessary calls.
The launch of the 101 number on Tuesday (November 8) comes as shocking statistics revealed from January to October this year, of the 94,514 999 999 calls lodged with West Mercia Police, almost three quarters - some 69,640 - were not real emergencies. The figures do not even include unlogged calls where people have used 999, but have been told by the operator it is something the police cannot help with.
When a 999 call is received the operators grades it from one to four with one requiring an immediate response and grade four where no action is required.
The 999 number should only be used for 'grade one' calls but police believe people have been dialling 999 for non-emergencies because the standard number, 0300 333 3000, is difficult to remember.
It is hoped using the 24 hours-a-day 101 number will make it simpler for the public as well as free up police time to concentrate resources where they are needed most.
Although 101 is a national number it uses the geographical information from where the call is placed and automatically directs enquiries to the caller's local police force.
Calls which the operator deems to need an emergency response will be directed straight through to the 999 service.
Situations where residents should use the 101 number include if their car has been stolen, property has been damaged, when they suspect drugs use or dealing or if they want to report a minor crash on the roads.
Ch Supt Trevor Albutt, West Mercia's head of operational support command, said: "Until now, there has been no memorable number for people to get into the system.
"101 is much easier to remember than the existing non-emergency number and the single rate for every call means people will know exactly how much it costs to contact us. One of our fears has been that, because of the volume of calls to 999, we will not get to one of those calls which did need a quick response and was a real emergency."
People should still call 999 if there is a danger to life, when violence is being used or threatened, when a crime is still in progress or if someone suspected of crime is nearby.
The 0300 333 3000 switchboard number should still be used by those wanting to speak to their local policing team or contact a particular person or department directly.
Calls to the 101 number will cost 15p, regardless of what time it is made or how long it lasts.