The 101 number was introduced on September 21 and at the end of March the old 0345 number will fall out of use.

The number change is part of a national scheme to make 101 the single non-emergency number in England and Wales. The system has been designed to recognise where the caller is dialling from and connect them with the local police service. If a caller does not want to speak to their local force they will be given the option to be connected to a different one.

People should continue to call 999 when an immediate response is needed because a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or someone is in danger.

POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after reports of a telephone scam.

Several people have contacted police after receiving calls requesting their bank details. The scammers, who have the name, date of birth and address of the recipient, claimed they were entitled to a refund from their banks before asking for their details. When they refused to give the details, the caller threatened to black list their account.

A police spokesman said: "I would urge people to remain vigilant and never disclose personal information such as bank account details over the phone.

"If you get a call offering you something that sounds too good to be true, it generally is.”