A new number for reporting non-emergency crimes to the police launches in Lancashire today.

The 101 service is available for members of the public to discuss anti-social behaviour, report incidents and speak to the police about a general enquiry.

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Assistant chief constable Andy Cooke said the service would simplify how the police can be contacted.

He said: “Everyone knows to ring 999 in an emergency but research shows that only 54% of the public know how to contact their local police if they want to talk to them about less urgent issues.

“The introduction of an easy-to-remember, three-digit number should help address this. It should also help divert more non-urgent calls away from the 999 system, freeing up call handlers to deal with genuine emergencies.”

He added: “101 makes it far simpler for people to contact their local police force’s non-emergency service, wherever they are in England and Wales. It will make it much easier for people to pass on information or seek advice from the police.”

The 101 service replaces the current non-emergency number 0845 1 253 545. It will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Calls to the service from landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call, the time of day or length of call does not change the price.

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can textphone 18001 101.

When you should call 999

Lancashire Police are keen to stress the 101 service is not for an emergency.

The police class the following as emergencies:

– life is in danger
– violence is being threatened or used
– a crime is in progress or a suspect may have recently been disturbed
– a road traffic accident where people are injured or is affecting traffic