101 Launched in Corsham & Wiltshire

On Monday, 19th September 2011, Wiltshire Police changed its non-emergency number to 101 alongside the rest of the South West region, which includes Corsham.

Although 999 is a well-recognised number to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only half of the public knew which number to call if they wanted to speak to their local police about policing, non-urgent crime and anti-social behaviour issues. As part of a national programme, 101 will provide the public with an easier and more memorable number to contact the police. 

Chief Inspector Charlie Armstrong, Head of Contact Management for the force, said: "Changing our non emergency contact number to 101 will make it much easier for people to contact us. It is easy to remember and will be used by all forces across the country by the beginning of 2012."

Chief Inspector Armstrong added: "We are constantly looking for ways to build on and improve our service to the public and this change is a positive one that we are confident will be welcomed by our communities."

Christopher Hoare, Wiltshire Police Authority Chairman, said: "The introduction of 101 provides the public of Wiltshire and Swindon with an easier number to remember for contacting Wiltshire Police.  Calls to 101 are automatically directed to the nearest Police Force, so I can assure the public that calls from Wiltshire will be answered by Wiltshire Police staff".  

To find out more information about 101, visit our website www.wiltshire.police.uk  or look out for posters and flyers that have been distributed countywide.

Calls to 101 will cost 15p per call, irrespective of how long that call may last and applies to landlines and mobile phones. 

A person with a hearing or speech impairment will be able to use the non emergency text-phone number 18001 101.

101 will replace the existing non-emergency number (0845 408 7000) for Wiltshire Police.  Wiltshire Police can also be contacted by email at www.wiltshire.police.uk or in person at one of our enquiry offices.

101 will not replace 999. 

999 should be used in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.

101 should be used for all non-emergencies such as: reporting a crime, contacting local officers, getting crime prevention advice, making an appointment with a police officer or making us aware of policing issues in your local area.