New number in service for police

WELLINGTON: Police have introduced a new phone number people can call for nonemergency incidents they want to report to the authorities.

Kiwis can now call 105 for issues that are not emergencies.

For example, if someone discovers their car is missing, they would be encouraged to call 105 instead of 111.

The 111 number will still be in service, but police are asking for it to be reserved for instances where there is immediate danger.

The new number aims to take the pressure off the 111 phone number and to help provide better services for the public.

Police receive more than 2 million calls a year, Police Minister Stuart Nash said.

Almost 900,000 calls are made to the 111 service and about 1.2 million nonemergency calls to other police numbers.

‘‘Just 20% of 111 calls result in an emergency response,’’ Mr Nash said. — NZME