New non-emergency police number

People should dial 0845 600 5705 in non-emergency police matters

Tayside Police have introduced a new number for all non-emergency calls.

Residents should still dial 999 in emergencies but for all other inquiries should use 0845 600 5705.

It is hoped the single number will reduce confusion among callers and also cut down on the amount of trivial matters being reported through 999.

This is one of the first steps in moving to a single non-emergency number for use across all police force areas in Scotland.

Supt Hamish Macpherson, who is in charge of the Force Communications Centre, said: "Tayside Police receive approximately 30,000 non emergency calls a month covering a wide range of issues, such as reporting crimes, asking to speak to a specific officer, inquiries about lost and found property and even non-police related matters.

"The new system should direct the calls to the most appropriate area reducing the need for transfers between departments.

"I must stress that if a caller is dealing with an emergency situation they should always dial 999.

"An emergency situation is one where a crime is in progress, there is a risk of injury to someone, risk of serious damage to property, or there is a serious incident which needs immediate police attendance."