Durham, N.C. — Barking dogs, loud music, burglaries that happened hours or days earlier, vandalism to public or private property – these are just a few examples of the types of calls that can now be reported to Durham’s new non-emergency phone number.

The Durham Emergency Communication Center set up the new number, 919-560-4600, to free up 911 lines for life-threatening or in-progress emergencies.

“I have read on community list servs and responded to countless inquiries from citizens who need to report something, such as a stolen flower pot or a barking dog, but don’t know of another way to do so other than using 911,” said Jim Soukup, director of the DECC.

All incidents reported through the non-emergency line are tracked the same as if the call was received on the 911 lines, according to Soukup.