Lincolnshire Police urge public to report non-urgent crimes online

Reporting non-urgent matters online meant there would be fewer delays in calls being answered, the force said

Lincolnshire Police has urged members of the public to report non-urgent crimes and incidents online rather than by phone when possible.

The force said it received more than 123,000 emergency calls using 999 every year, and 171,000 calls to its non-emergency 101 number.

Reporting non-urgent matters online meant there would be fewer delays in calls being answered, particularly during the busy summer period, the force said.

"Online is the preferred method in a non-emergency situation," a spokesperson said.

Mike Modder-Fitch, head of the force's control room, which deals with both emergency and non-emergency calls, said people should always dial 999 in an emergency situation.

However, he said it was often "quicker and more effective" for people to report non-emergency incidents online.

That helped to ensure emergency lines were kept clear, he added.

"Year on year we are seeing a 10% increase in 999 calls. That's not an issue that is unique to Lincolnshire, it's a picture reflected nationally," Mr Modder-Fitch said.

"Obviously, what we need to do is make sure resources are directed at those that need us most," he added.

Mr Modder-Fitch said other forces had seen an increase in people getting in touch after introducing online reporting

He said the move was not intended to discourage people from reporting crime, and the 101 number was available for all those who wanted to use it.

In fact, he said it was probably "quite the opposite", with other forces reporting a 10% uplift in people getting in touch since introducing similar online systems.

Mr Modder-Fitch said it would also make it easier for people who were hesitant to call police, or for those who were facing a situation such as domestic violence, where it was difficult to call.

"What we are trying to do is make sure people have the right method to contact us that suits their needs," he said.

Mr Modder-Fitch said 101 call waiting times were currently averaging at about five to seven minutes, with 999 calls being answered in six to seven seconds.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].