Contacting the police

101 NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER

When to call 101

You can call 101 to report a crime that has already happened, seek crime prevention advice or make us aware of any policing issues in your local area.

For example:

  • if your car, bicycle or mobile phone has been stolen
  • if your garden shed has been broken into
  • if your property has been damaged
  • if you suspect drug use or dealing in your area
  • if you want to report a minor traffic collision
  • if you want to give the police information about crime in your area

Always call 999 in an emergency.

What is an emergency? When you need an immediate response because a crime is in progress; someone suspected of a crime is nearby; when there is danger to life; or when violence is being used or threatened.

101 non-emergency number frequently asked questions

What is 101?
101 is now the number to call when you want to get through to your local police when it’s less urgent than 999.

It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls to 101 from landlines and mobile networks cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long you are on the phone.

101 does not replace our local numbers, which you can still use.

What happens when you call 101
When you call 101, you will be greeted by an automated system that will automatically identify your location and offer you the option of being connected to your local police force.

If you are calling within Warwickshire, your call will be answered by Warwickshire Police call handlers. This ensures that staff with local knowledge can deal with calls in a way that best meets the needs of their communities.

If you would like a different force you will be given the option to speak to an operator to select your chosen area. Your call will be answered by police call handlers in the control room of that local police force.

If you are anywhere in the UK you can still dial 101 and you will be given the option of speaking to police call handlers within Warwickshire. If your selection is not correct, you will be given the option to speak to an operator.