Avon and Somerset Police swap old 0845 number

Date: 24/08/2011

Avon and Somerset Police is swapping its old 0845 number for a new point of contact.

The authority has decided to introduce fresh non-emergency digits for residents living in the local area - 101.

This is part of a national roll-out and it will be introduced on September 19th.

Currently, the organisation uses 0845 4567000 as its non-emergency number and it is hoped the change will mean more people know how to get in touch for crime prevention advice or to contact officers.

It will also complement the existing 999 emergency digits.

Assistant chief constable Anthony Bangham said: "The new 101 number means members of the public will find it simple to contact us. 101 is easily remembered and will be used across the county."

He added that the change will help to provide the public with a better service.

The new 101 number will be used by every police force in the UK by early 2012 and was first piloted back in 2006.