Do you know who to call? Ten Wells numbers you want in your mobile

"Always be prepared!" That's the Boy Scout motto. Here are 10 phone numbers we do not think about until the moment we need them, at which point they save time, money and general peace of mind, giving immediate access to local and national support services.

Police are asking the public to take 10 minutes to program each of these handy numbers into your mobile phone so if you are caught in an emergency you have help at hand.

1 Avon and Somerset Police non-emergency number: 0845 456 7000

If you see anyone acting suspiciously or have information relating to a crime. The police are only a call away to provide assistance.

2 Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Call anonymously with information about crime.

3 Mendip District Council: 01749 648999 – your council is responsible for all sorts of issues including dealing with noisy neighbours, stray dogs and highway problems, so it's a useful number to find and keep in your phone.

4 Your lost or stolen credit card hotline – The number for your credit card issuer is conveniently located on the back of your credit card but that is no good if your card gets lost or stolen. It's nice to be able to cancel a credit card the minute you realise it's missing. That way you can solve any problems before they start.

5 Your car insurance claims hotline – The first number you should call in a car accident. Or the second number if the accident is severe, just after calling 999 and informing police.

6 Local locksmith –  Wells Locks on 01749 649031. There's nothing worse than being locked out, especially at night. Save yourself the hassle of trying to find a reputable locksmith with reasonable prices when you are locked out and stressed out. Do a little homework now and find yourself a reputable locksmith that has a 24 hour emergency call service.

7 Underwoods recovery service – When your car breaks down in an inconvenient location this number will make your life a lot easier 01749 672514 Or if you are an RAC or AA member use their contact number.

8 Highways Agency: 08457 504030

Highways Agency Traffic Officers patrol the motorways to manage traffic, help stranded motorists and clear debris from the road

9 Your doctor – If you are on the road or out of town and a non-emergency medical issue arises, it is always nice to be able to run the information past your own doctor or nurse. If you save the number with the name 'Doctor' people can also access you doctor quickly if you are in a medical condition where you are unable to do so.

10 The Bridge (Sexual Assault Referral Centre): 0117 342 6999

This centre is open to any man, woman, young person or child who has been the victim of sexual assault. It offers counselling and support and can help victims decide whether they want to report the attack to police.

Superintendent Jeanette Harris of Avon and Somerset Constabulary's emergency call centre said: "In a crisis you want to talk to the right person quickly. If someone could get hurt or a crime is happening then and there, then 999 is the number to call.

"For most other police incidents, including reporting a crime where the offenders have been gone some time, calling 0845 456 7000 will get you the help you need – without diverting the emergency response that could be needed by someone else.

"Of course in a crisis, you can't think of any other numbers – so a few minutes putting these in your mobile phone book will be time well spent."

Police also recommend saving the name and numbers of the person you would like to be contacted first if you are injured or fall ill onto your mobile phone under the name ICE (In Case of Emergency).