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Website will map crime hotspots
7:50pm Tuesday 6th January 2009
Comments (7)
MAPS detailing crime hotspots right across the country have gone online – but Wiltshire Police’s went up late.
The Home Office announced yesterday that all 43 police forces have made crime trends in their areas available on their websites.
But Wiltshire’s effort to join the national publication stumbled when a technical problem, expected to be sorted out today, thwarted their efforts.
When Wiltshire’s numbers go live members of the public will be able to access the maps and view rates of burglary, robbery, violent crime and other offences in their neighbourhood.
Swindon police divisional commander Paul Howlett said: “It is a requirement that police forces will provide greater local information about local crime so residents and others can understand what is happening on their door step.”
Visitors to the force’s website yesterday could see a screen shot of what the maps will look like.
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Due to a technical problem the crime maps will be up and running by the end of play on Wednesday.”
When it goes live, residents will be able to look at offences taking place in their wards and see and how their areas compare with average crime rates.
In September Home Secretary Jacqui Smith asked police forces to deliver crime mapping by the end of December.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: “By empowering people with this information they will be able to engage much more with their neighbourhood policing teams.
“I am sure this will lead to an even more responsive and effective police, thoroughly in tune with people’s needs.
“As a result, crime mapping can help ensure people’s voices are heard when police set crime fighting priorities.
“By rolling out up to date crime maps communities are able to take an informed view about crime in their local area.
“Providing this information to the public helps to make the police even more accountable.”
The publication of the maps followed a Cabinet Office report, showing people felt cut off from the justice system.
Forces in Wales, and those in the East Midlands, joined forces to combine their maps, letting residents see crime levels across a wider area.
For more information about the county’s crime maps go to www.wiltshire.police.uk.
Your Say YourSwindon Advertiser
Always Grumpy, Swindon says...
8:13am Wed 7 Jan 09
What on earth am I supposed to do with the knowledge that there's been a robbery in my area?
Big Mac, Old Town says...
9:46am Wed 7 Jan 09
It doesn't matter what our police do, or don't do, as long as our courts and judges continually fail the public and encourage criminality.
I actually pity the police. Most of them do a good job under almost impossible circumstances. It's the judges, magistrates and their governmental leaders that are letting us (and the police) down and who are responsible for the level of crime in this country.
After all, a criminal in jail can't affect the public. A criminal on bail, on an ASBO, doing 'community' service or who has simply been let off with a 'suspended' sentence most certainly can harm the public - and they do, time and time again.
So, Ms Smith and Mr Coaker, stop messing around with silly maps and start the long overdue reform of our courts and judiciary!
thenoose, Swindon says...
10:18am Wed 7 Jan 09
How apt for Wiltshire Police to be 'late' bringing in crime mapping. I suspect other reasons for it though. Probably the shock at how much crime there really was in the town!!
thenoose, Swindon says...
10:40am Wed 7 Jan 09
TKD4ever, Swindon says...
3:10pm Wed 7 Jan 09
who dat?, Swindon says...
7:01pm Wed 7 Jan 09
"Please note that these detections figures may be lower than they actually should be.
This is due to a change in policing areas which took place in April 2007. "
Too bloody right, they are lower than they should be !!!!!!!
Well , surely with all the extra bobbies and support staff, not to mention the wonderful computer, it should be possible to tell us the comparable rate if April 2007 changes are ignored !!!
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who dat?, Swindon says...
8:06pm Tue 6 Jan 09
1. Reduce interference in the police by the likes of The Robber McBroon and Jacqui "I'm sorry , I haven't a clue" Smith,
2. Get rid of artificial targets and let the police do the job,
3. Empower the courts to give effective sentences.
4, Bring back the birch and the rope!