COPS: CLOSE 101 AT NIGHT

POLICE want to shut the non-emergency 101 number at night to save resources for other crimes.

About 32million calls were made to 101 last year, but many of those were about problems such as litter or noise that could be dealt with by the local authority.

The answering time for 101 is also getting worse. Five years ago it was an average of 10 seconds, but now it takes almost five minutes.

If the 101 line is shut at night, the public will be encouraged to report non-emergencies online. A letter sent to Policing Minister Nick

Hurd by chief constables revealed they are reviewing the 101 line and its current round the clock role.

A National Police Chiefs

Council spokesman said:

‘While we aim to maintain an effective traditional 999 and 101 offer to the public.

This will also need to evolve to ensure quality, consistency and sustainability.” DELAYS: Call centre