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Councillor Malcolm Wade
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All New Forest residents can now use a special 101 non-emergency telephone number. The Hampshire wide initiative, set up by the police force, provides people with the chance to gain direct access to advice and action on safety and anti-social behaviour issues.
It is hoped that the new service will free up the 999 service, intended for emergency only incidents.
The type of incidents that can be reported using the new 101 number include vandalism, graffiti, noisy neighbours, intimidation & harassment, abandoned vehicles,, rubbish & litter (including fly tipping), drunk or rowdy behaviour in public places, drug related anti-social behaviour and problems with street lighting.
Currently, calls will cost just 10 pence (whether from a mobile or landline). If the call is deemed an emergency it will be routed as a 999 call right away.
Lib Dem Councillor Malcolm Wade from Hythe says "It remains to be seen whether this new number will be fully utilised. I suspect it will need advertising on an ongoing basis for months or even years. However, it is a good idea and will hopefully encourage more people to report things that cause so much damage to the community".
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