The new number will allow people to report low-level crimes

The 101 number, designed to ease pressure on the 999 system, is being piloted in the county before rolling out across England and Wales by 2008.

Minister Hazel Blears said the Single Non-Emergency Number (Snen) would "strengthen community engagement".

Leicester and Rutland County, Cardiff, Northumbria and Sheffield will also run pilot schemes through the summer.

Callers to the 101 line will be charged a flat fee of 10p from both mobiles and landlines.

Transfer to 999

It is designed to take calls about issues like anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, noisy neighbours, abandoned vehicles, drunken people in public places and defective street lighting.

"Hampshire Constabulary was chosen to be the launch force, partly due to their excellent records in call handling and call management," a Hampshire police spokeswoman said.

The government said the new number would allow 999 services to be faster and more efficient.

Ms Blears said 10 million 999 calls had been made in 2004, of which 70% were not emergencies.

Operators will be able to transfer calls to 999 if deemed appropriate.