7:50pm Tuesday 6th January 2009
By Sarah Hilley
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.
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