Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a new summer-long campaign to help reduce demand on their 101 non-emergency number.

'Whichever way you choose to contact us, #ItsPersonal' aims to educate residents and visitors about the different ways to contact the police and explain that every contact the Force is answered by a member of the team, whether it’s online or by phone.

By reassuring anyone who wants to make contact with the police, be that online or over the phone, that it is a real person dealing with their query, it is hoped more people will choose to use the online contact options.

Anyone wishing to contact the police with non-emergency queries or reports can easily access the online methods – WebChat, Report Crime Online and Email 101.

WebChat allows you to talk online directly with contact centres. WebChat is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be used to ask questions, report non-urgent crime, and receive updates on existing crimes. To access WebChat go to: dc.police.uk/webchat

Report Crime Online is an easy way to report information or report an incident or crime. Simply record all the details on the online form then submit it via the Police website. The contact centre staff will receive the form, record the crime, and provide you with a crime reference number. To use Report Crime Online go to: dc.police.uk/reportcrime

Email 101 to ask a question, tell the Police something or report non-urgent crime. The email service is monitored daily, and contact centre staff will respond as soon as possible. The email address to use is: 101@dc.police.uk

Alternatively, contact centre staff are available to answer calls day or night should you still wish to call.

Commander for Contact and Command Resolution, Chief Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith,, said: “Many people think going online to report a crime or incident will lead to just 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."

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