The MPS has introduced the new number in a bid to make it easier for people to contact them, and to provide greater access to their services.
“By providing people with one memorable number it is expected that the amount of inappropriate 999 calls to the MPS will reduce,” a statement said.
“This will further enable us to respond quickly and safely to emergency calls and best identify how to respond to other calls.
“In an emergency people should always dial 999. An emergency is when a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is known to be nearby, or someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.
“For all other calls to the MPS people should dial 0300 123 1212, such as when reporting a crime or an incident that does not meet the above criteria, to speak to local police or when seeking advice on police matters.”
Local rates
It is still possible to contact local police stations with pre-existing numbers, the MPS says, and in particular Safer Neighbourhood Teams should still be contacted using their direct telephone numbers. But people can also use 0300 123 1212 to speak to local police, including Safer Neighbourhood Teams, as well as other MPS teams.
The MPS is using a 0300 number in accordance with Ofcom’s recommendation for public sector bodies. When calling 0300 123 1212 local rates apply from BT landlines. Other networks and calls from mobiles may vary.
Commander Simon Bray, Response and Patrol, said: “The Metropolitan Police is committed to making our services more accessible to everyone in London. It is now easier to contact the Met when it is not an emergency as you only need to know this one memorable number.
“When you dial 0300 123 1212 we will take your call seriously and deal with it professionally: one of our operators will put you through to your local police or the team most appropriate to deal with your enquiry.
“We would advise people to take note of this number so that they can easily contact the Metropolitan Police when it is not an emergency.”
