Surrey Police have launched a new non-emergency telephone number.

The new 101 number has gone live as part of a national drive to make it easier to contact the police and report crime and disorder.

Calling 101 now gives people an easy way to contact the Force and report non-emergencies.

But, for most people, the call will also be significantly cheaper than the 0845 number being replaced.

The new 101 number will cost callers 15p for the entire length of the call, no matter how long it takes or what time of day it is.

The 15p price applies to both landlines and mobile phones, while calls from telephone boxes are free.

The geographic number - 01483 571212 – remains for customers who may be unable to use the 101 service - for example, those calling from abroad.

As well as making the police more accessible to communities, it is hoped that 101 will reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls, allowing the Force to respond to emergencies more effectively.

Superintendent Sue Lampard said: "On average, the Surrey Police Contact Centre receives 361 999 calls a day, but only about 19% of those require an emergency response from the police.”

Supt Lampard said: "999 should only be used in a real emergency, that is when a crime is happening, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or where someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.

"For all other matters, such as reporting less urgent crime or disorder, contacting police with a general enquiry or speaking to an officer, the public should contact Surrey Police on the new 101 number."

While 999 is a well recognised number to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54% of the public knew how to contact their local police if they wanted to talk to them about local policing issues, crime or anti-social behaviour.

People can also report minor crime online, or visit their local police station or the Surrey Police mobile unit.

For more details visit the Force website: www.surrey.police.uk