101 and 999

Call police 24 hours a day 7 days a week on 101 to report a non-emergency. The logo says "101, when it's less urgent that 999".

101 and 999 – Your 24 hours a day, seven days a week phone numbers for the police.

101 is the 24/7 telephone number to call when you want to report crime and disorder to South Wales Police that does not require an emergency response.

101 is the number to call if:

  • • A car has been stolen
  • • Property has been damaged
  • • You wish to pass on information about drug use or dealing
  • • You want to report a minor traffic collision
  • • You’re giving information about other crime

101 will deliver the following benefits to our communities:

  • • One easy to remember number
  • • Reduced pressure on 999 emergency calls

The number can be used to report a non-emergency to any force in Wales and England.

Calls to 101 from landlines and mobile networks cost 15p per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long you are on the phone.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired you can textphone 18001 101. If you are hearing-impaired you can also contact our minicom service on 01656 656980.

If you have difficulty speaking English or Welsh, South Wales Police can access interpreters to translate your call.

In an emergency, always dial 999

This is when immediate action is required, such as:

  • • A crime is in progress
  • • Someone suspected of a crime is near by
  • • Someone’s life is at risk
  • • Someone is injured
  • • There is violence being used or threatened

What to expect

When you call 999, the emergency telephone operator will ask you which emergency service you require.

Once you have told the operator the service you need, they will connect you to the service Control Room, and the operator will ask you some simple questions such as:

  • • “What is your name?”
  • • “What is the number of the telephone you are calling from?”
  • • “What has happened?”
  • • “Where is the incident?”
  • • “Is anyone hurt?”

Try to answer the questions as calmly and clearly as you can.

The operator might also ask you other questions to help assist as quickly as possible. Whilst they speak to you, they will also be giving information to officers who will be on their way to help you.

You can also contact the emergency services using 112, the single emergency number for the European Union.