VICTIMS of crime are not reporting offences because it is too expensive to telephone the police - according to two county councillors.

One called for a review of the policy of using an 0845 number after hearing that people had paid up to £8 to call officers.

Although 0845 numbers cost 2p per minute peak rate from a BT landline, their cost can be more than that for people using other phone operators and mobile networks.

West Mercia Constabulary has admitted the cost of calling the 0845 number has gone up in the 10 years since the force's non-emergency number was introduced. It says it is considering introducing a cheaper 03 number which costs the same as a local call whichever provider is used.

People phoning the 0845 number go through to one of two call management centres at Hindlip, near Worcester, or Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

The force uses the income it generates from the 0845 number to maintain an emergency text messaging service.

Councillor Nigel Knowles, who raised the issue at a council meeting, said: "People are being very reluctant to ring up and report crime. It's very costly, particularly if they are on a mobile phone."

Mr Knowles also said people had told him they were being kept waiting on the end of a phone for half-an-hour and said a more direct way for people to contact local police officers or beat managers was needed.

Coun Tom McDonald called for a review of the number's use.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are aware that the cost of calling the non-emergency number has increased since it was first introduced and we are currently looking at introducing a new number, which will cost the same as making a local call.

"The number generates a small income that is used to maintain an emergency text messaging service so that people who are partially or profoundly deaf or who have speech impairments can contact the police more easily in an emergency."

Coun Edward Sheldon, who liaises with the force, will ask the chief constable to make a written reply.

Anyone wishing to call police can use 999 for emergencies, 08457 444 888 for non-emergencies, or call a local number to leave a voicemail for local policing teams who will reply within five days. A list of numbers is available at www.westmercia.police.uk