📞 101 Police Number UK — The Complete Guide

Sunday, 02 August 2026

101 is the UK's non-emergency police number. It's for reporting crimes that are not emergencies — a stolen bike, criminal damage, fraud, or noise complaints — and for getting advice from your local force.

This guide covers when to call 101, what it costs, how to report online instead, and what to do if 101 isn't working.

When to call 101

Call 101 when you need the police but no one is in immediate danger and the crime is not in progress. For example:

  • Your car or bike has been stolen
  • Your home has been broken into (and the offender has left)
  • You've been a victim of fraud or a scam
  • Your property has been damaged
  • You want to report a noise complaint or anti-social behaviour
  • You need advice, or want to follow up on an existing report

Always call 999 instead if: someone is in danger, a crime is happening right now, or there's a serious injury. Don't use 101 for emergencies — every second matters.

What does calling 101 cost?

101 calls cost 15p per call from both landlines and mobiles, no matter how long you're on the phone. It's a flat rate set by the government — there's no per-minute charge and it doesn't use your call allowance.

  • Landline or mobile: 15p per call, flat rate
  • Free alternatives: most police forces now offer online reporting (free) and some offer webchat
  • 101 is not free — if you're on a low income or calling abroad, use the online form instead

101 vs 999: which one?

Situation Number
Someone in immediate danger 999
Crime in progress 999
Serious injury / medical emergency 999
Stolen property (not in progress) 101
Fraud or scam 101 (or Action Fraud)
Damage / noise / advice 101
Report online (non-urgent) Online form

How to report a crime online instead of calling 101

You don't always need to call 101 — most UK forces let you report non-emergency crimes online, and you'll get a crime reference number immediately. It's free and often faster than the phone queue.

  1. Go to your local force's website (find them via police.uk)
  2. Find "Report a crime online" or "Report an incident"
  3. Complete the form with dates, times, and details
  4. Submit — you'll get a crime reference number on screen and by email

What you can't report online: emergencies (call 999), crimes in progress, and some sensitive offences. When in doubt, call 101.

What to do if 101 isn't working

Sometimes 101 is busy or has technical problems. If you can't get through:

  1. Try the online form — most forces have one; it's free and gives you a crime reference number instantly
  2. Check your force's website — many forces list alternative contact methods (webchat, email form)
  3. Wait and retry — 101 queues can be long at peak times (evenings and weekends)
  4. For fraud specifically, report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk
  5. Only if it's an emergency, call 999

Can you email or webchat 101?

Some forces offer webchat and online enquiry forms as alternatives to the phone — check your local force's website. There's no national 101 email address; contact methods vary by force. The most consistent free option is the online crime report form.

What happens after you report

  • You'll be given a crime reference number — keep it safe, you'll need it for insurance and bank claims
  • The force will tell you what happens next and roughly when to expect an update
  • For lower-level crimes you may not hear anything unless you chase it — quote your reference number when you follow up

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