📍 101 Police Number by Area — Report Online in Your Local Force

Sunday, 02 August 2026

101 is the UK's non-emergency police number — but you often don't need to call it at all. Most forces let you report crime online, which is free, faster than the phone queue, and gives you a crime reference number instantly.

This guide shows the right 101 and online-reporting route for your local force.

How 101 works everywhere

  • 101 is the same number across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — it routes you to your local force
  • Calls cost a flat 15p (landline or mobile)
  • Every force has an online reporting form for non-emergency crime
  • Emergencies and crimes in progress: always call 999

Find your force's online reporting

If your area isn't listed below, go to police.uk → enter your postcode → it shows your local force and their website.

🏴 Hampshire & Isle of Wight (Andover, Basingstoke, Winchester)

  • 101 or report online at hampshire.police.uk → "Report" → online form
  • Andover residents: use the Hampshire online form for non-emergency crime and anti-social behaviour
  • Crime reference numbers are issued immediately on submission

🏴 West Yorkshire (Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Leeds)

  • 101 or report online at westyorkshire.police.uk → "Report a crime"
  • Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield all route through the West Yorkshire force
  • Online reports get a crime reference number by email

🏴 Cheshire

  • 101 or report online at cheshire.police.uk → "Report"
  • Cheshire Constabulary also offers webchat for non-emergency enquiries
  • For contact numbers by station, check the force website's "Contact us" page

🏴 Bedfordshire

  • 101 or report online at bedfordshire.police.uk → "Report a crime online"
  • Bedfordshire Police run an online chat for non-urgent queries
  • Remember: online reporting is free — 101 calls cost 15p

🏴 Cumbria

  • 101 or report online at cumbria.police.uk → "Report"
  • Cumbria Constabulary covers Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal and the Lake District
  • Use the online form for theft, damage, fraud and anti-social behaviour

What to report online vs call 101

Report online (free) Call 101 (15p)
Stolen property (not in progress) Crime needing advice first
Criminal damage When you can't find the online form
Fraud / scam reports Sensitive offences
Anti-social behaviour Following up on an existing report
Missing item / lost property If you're unsure whether it's a crime

Still use 999 for: danger, crime in progress, serious injury.

What you'll need for an online report

  • Dates and times of the incident
  • Location (address, street, area)
  • Descriptions — people, vehicles, property (serial numbers help)
  • Any reference numbers (e.g. bank fraud reference)
  • Your contact details (unless reporting anonymously)

After you submit, you'll get a crime reference number on screen and by email — keep it for insurance and bank claims.

Frequently searched

  • "101 andover" → Hampshire Constabulary — call 101 or report online
  • "101 bradford" / "101 huddersfield" / "101 wakefield" → West Yorkshire Police
  • "cheshire police contact number" → 101, or webchat on cheshire.police.uk
  • "bedfordshire police online chat" → bedfordshire.police.uk live chat
  • "cumbria police 101 online" → cumbria.police.uk online reporting
  • "101 not working" → use your force's online form instead

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