Kenneth, I have to disagree with you. Had you seen someone in the act of breaking into your garages, you would be entitled to dial 999 in the hope that the police could respond quickly enough to apprehend the criminal. However, if you discover the problem the following day, then the criminal has long gone and the incident, whilst still serious, is not an emergency.
To me, the system has the potential to provide a better emergency response because the police won't be rushing here and there in response to calls that are not an emergency. That said, it will only work properly if their response to the new number is reasonably timely and is appropriately thorough in its follow-up of incidents. It might be that by releasing the officers from "emergency" timing, they will be able to provide an improved service to us all.
Only time will tell and we should give them the opportunity to get it right.