North Wales Police helps develop national online crime map

North Wales Police has been working closely with the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) to develop a new interactive mapping system.

The new national Crime Map is interactive and gives the public access to local statistics and details on neighbourhood policing in their area.

The national map was launched on Tuesday, October 20, by Home Office Minister David Hanson and National Policing Improvement Agency Deputy Chief Executive Steve Mortimore.

The online map gives figures for all crime as well as burglary, robbery, violence, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour in areas at the touch of a button.

For the first time people can compare one police area with another, compare figures over a three-month period against the same period for the previous year and see annual crime rates.

The public will also be able to see details of their neighbourhood police team, local policing priorities and information about forthcoming local events such as crime prevention meetings and local surgeries.

The website was developed by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) and police forces across England and Wales, on behalf of the Home Office.

Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP said: “Crime maps are a key part of delivering neighbourhood policing and giving communities access to information like this not only improves public confidence but ensures police are responding to local people’s needs.

“We know the public want this information, which will allow them to hold the police to account and help create an even more responsive and effective service.

“Neighbourhood police teams already serve every community in England and Wales and the Crime Map is another example of how we are building greater links between the police and the people they serve.”

NPIA Deputy Chief Executive Steve Mortimore, said: “The national Crime Map is a vital step forward in giving the public more information about crime in their areas to increase confidence in the service they receive from the police.

“Fear of crime is known to outstrip the reality. The Crime Map will give people the facts about local crime and what forces are doing about it. It is crucial way of improving the efforts to tackle local crime, since communities that are involved in policing help reduce crime and bring more offenders to justice.

“We are proud that the new national Crime Map has been developed quickly and cost-effectively by the NPIA, working closely with forces and at no cost to them.”

The Crime Map builds on the Policing Pledge, which sets out what the public can expect from their local force and how they can get involved in policing.

Ian Shannon, Acting Chief Constable of North Wales Police, said: "Along with other forces across England and Wales we worked closely with the NPIA to develop the national Crime Map. People are at the heart of what we do, this new system gives people the chance see what goes on in their areas."

To view the national Crime Map go to http://maps.police.uk/