How to contact local police for non-emergency?

How to Contact the Local Police for Non-Emergencies

If you need to get in touch with your local police but it’s not an emergency, it’s important to know the right number—so you don’t tie up emergency lines. For non-urgent matters, such as reporting a stolen item, providing information about a minor incident, or asking for general advice, the right number to call is 101.

This service is available 24/7 and connects you directly to your local police force. It’s free to call from both landlines and mobiles, making it accessible for everyone. Whether you’re reporting suspicious activity that’s already passed or need to follow up on a previous report, calling 101 ensures your concern is handled without overwhelming emergency resources.

For urgent situations where there’s an immediate threat to life or property, always dial 999. Misusing emergency lines for non-urgent issues can delay help for someone in real danger, so it’s crucial to use the correct number.

If you're outside the UK and need to contact the police, dial +44 20 7601 2222. For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or use sign language, the SignVideo service is available at 020 8463 1120, offering direct video communication with police representatives.

There’s also a dedicated anti-terrorist hotline at 0800 789 321, where you can report suspicious behaviour or potential threats anonymously. And while the older number 0800 555 111 was once widely promoted, it has largely been replaced by 101 for non-emergency police contact—though it may still be active in some regions for specific reporting.

Knowing these numbers helps keep your community safe and ensures the police can respond quickly where it matters most.