From July 1, Victorians have been encouraged to call the Police Assistance Line, on 131 444, or use the easy and convenient online reporting service for non-urgent crimes and events.

The roll-out of the new tools comes with a year-long advertising campaign titled ‘When you need us, but not the sirens’, and follows a six-month trial period that saw police take more than 70,000 calls.

As of July 9 – just over a week after the campaign was launched – the Police Assistance Line had received 100,000 calls.

These two new contact options should be used to: report incidents such as theft, lost property, property damage and noise complaints; and register a party or inform police when you are away from home.

They can also be used to make general police enquiries.

The online reporting service is available through the new Victoria Police website, which improves the way police information and services are found and understood online.

The Police Assistance Line calls are taken by civilian staff at a contact centre in Ballarat, under the supervision of police officers.

Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said these additional channels would enhance the community’s connection and access to Victoria Police.

“The Police Assistance Line is a dedicated, public phone number for the community to report or get advice on non-urgent crimes and events any time of the day,” A/CCP Patton said.

“These new avenues of contact to Victoria Police will be available 24/7, making it easier for the community to engage with police for non-emergency help, advice and support.

“These new channels will also reduce the amount of time police spend taking reports on non-urgent crimes, and will improve the way we prioritise and respond to these matters.”

Police sources said multilingual options for these new services may be a possibility in the future.

The Triple Zero (000) number for police, fire and ambulance remains, and should be used if immediate attendance from these agencies is critical, such as a threat to life or a crime occurring.

Further information about the Police Assistance Line and online reporting is available on Victoria Police’s website.