South Yorkshire Police launches non-urgent 101 number

A non-emergency police telephone number is now available to residents across South Yorkshire.

People in Sheffield have been able to report crime by dialling 101 since 2006, as part of a project between the police and the city council.

The service is now available across the county. The government wants all police forces in England and Wales to have a 101 line by the end of March 2012.

The previous non-emergency number, 0114 2202020, will be phased out.

Each 101 call will cost 15p, regardless of its duration and whether the call is made from a landline or mobile.

Supt Adrian Moran, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "It is important that our communities know how to contact us and the most appropriate way to contact us to resolve their issue.

"Calls to the 101 number will be answered by specially-trained staff here in South Yorkshire - residents will not find themselves speaking to someone in another part of the country."

South Yorkshire Police is the first Yorkshire force to take part in the 101 roll-out.

Humberside Police will introduce 101 on 7 November, West Yorkshire Police on 17 November and North Yorkshire Police on 12 December.