What phone is 101?

What Is 101? Your Guide to Non-Emergency Police Contact

If you’ve ever wondered what the number 101 is for, it’s the go-to line for contacting the police about matters that are important, but not immediate emergencies. Unlike 999, which is reserved for urgent situations like crimes in progress or life-threatening incidents, 101 is designed for non-emergency situations.

Need to report a stolen bike, a minor burglary after the fact, or suspicious behavior you noticed yesterday? That’s where 101 comes in. It’s also useful if you need to give information to the police, ask for advice, or follow up on a previous report. By using 101 for these issues, you help keep 999 lines clear for true emergencies—ensuring faster response times when seconds count.

The service is available 24/7 across England and Wales, and while there may be a small charge if you're calling from a mobile, it's a small price for peace of mind. Just make sure you're calling from within the UK—international callers need a different approach.

It’s also worth noting that 101 connects you to your local police force. That means the officers who know your area best can handle your concern, whether it’s about anti-social behavior, lost property, or vehicle issues. The system was introduced to streamline access and reduce unnecessary 999 calls, and it's proven effective in doing so.

So if it’s not an emergency but still needs police attention, save yourself a worry and dial 101. It’s a simple way to stay connected with law enforcement without overloading emergency resources.