There is more than one way to contact the police in a non-emergency.

Dorset Police is launching a new summer-long campaign to help reduce demand on the 101 number.

The new campaign #ItsPersonal aims to educate visitors to the area about the different ways to contact the police and explain that every contact the Force receives about a policing issue is answered by a member of the team, whether it’s online or by phone.

The launch coincides with the May bank holiday and the half term break, which often brings more people to the county. This increase in visitors leads to a rise in calls to the 101 non-emergency number, which can inevitably impact on waiting times.

By reassuring anyone who wants to make contact with the police, be that online or over the phone, that their query will be dealt with by a real person, it is hoped more people will choose to use the online contact options and there will be a reduction in the non-emergency call waiting times. If more people use the online contact methods, it leaves the phone lines free for those who might not have access to the internet.

Anyone wishing to make contact with non-emergency queries or reports can easily access the online options – Request a Call Back, Report Crime Online and Email 101.

dorset.police.uk/reportcrime is an easy way to report information or report an incident or crime. Simply record all the details on the online form then submit the form via the website. Contact centre staff will receive the form, record the crime, and provide you with a crime reference number.

You can make an enquiry online by accessing: dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/make-an-enquiry-online/

Alternatively, you can email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Report anti-social behaviour online at: dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/asb-and-nuisance-communications/

Request a call back at: dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/request-a-call-back/

Alternatively, contact centre staff are available to answer your calls, day or night should you still wish to call the 101 non-emergency number.

Superintendent Jared Parkin from Dorset Police, head of the Force Command Centre, said: “Over the last few years we have been encouraging people to go online and this has been very successful with many people contacting us through our online reporting options.

“However, for many people they think going online to report a crime or incident will just be an automated process, but it is actually the same contact centre staff who manage and respond to our online contact options as answer our non-emergency telephone number. So, the service they receive is just as personal whether it is through our online contact option or by phone.

“We are expecting to see an increase in people contacting the police over the next week, as there will be more people visiting and staying in Dorset due to the public and school holiday and many deciding to stay in the UK for their holiday this year.”

However, when life is threatened, people are injured, offenders are nearby or immediate action is required, always dial 999.